NPFL: Shooting Stars thrash Abia Warriors as Rivers, Rangers draw

The 11th matchday of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season produced a series of important results, with Shooting Stars recording the biggest victory of the weekend and Rivers United and Rangers International sharing the points in the headline fixture.

Shooting Stars thrashed Abia Warriors 4-1 in Ibadan, while Bendel Insurance secured a 2-1 away victory over Kwara United. Kano Pillars also claimed a comfortable 2-0 win against Nasarawa United, as Enyimba edged Kun Khalifat 1-0 in the south-east derby.

The matchday began on Friday, October 30, with Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC playing out a goalless draw. Doma United and Ikorodu City followed with a 2-2 stalemate on Saturday.

Sunday’s eight fixtures completed the round, producing five victories and three draws across the country.

Shooting Stars deliver emphatic victory

Shooting Stars were the standout performers of NPFL Matchday 11 after recording a convincing 4-1 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors produced an impressive display to claim all three points and strengthen their position in the league standings.

The result provides a timely boost for the Ibadan-based side as they seek to build consistency in their campaign, while Abia Warriors were left to reflect on a disappointing away performance.

Rivers United and Rangers share points

The weekend’s standout fixture ended in a 1-1 draw between league leaders Rivers United and defending champions Rangers International in Port Harcourt.

Both teams went into the encounter level on 17 points, with Rivers United occupying top spot on goal difference. However, neither side could secure all three points, leaving the contest at the summit finely balanced.

The match was also overshadowed by an incident involving the league’s streaming team, which was reportedly denied access to broadcast the encounter.

The draw means both clubs remain closely positioned in the early title race as they continue their push for the league crown.

Bendel Insurance claim important away victory

Bendel Insurance recorded one of the notable away results of the round after defeating Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin.

The Benin-based side secured maximum points on the road to strengthen their position in the standings, while Kwara United were unable to make home advantage count.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 to secure an important home victory. The Sai Masu Gida took advantage of their home fixture to claim all three points.

Enyimba also recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Kun Khalifat in the south-east derby. The People’s Elephant did enough to see off their regional rivals and avoid dropping points in the encounter.

Other NPFL Matchday 11 results

Katsina United secured a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos in another closely contested fixture, while Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees played out a 1-1 draw in a result that offered both sides a point in their battle to move away from the lower end of the table.

Plateau United were also held to a 1-1 draw by Warri Wolves, with both teams settling for a share of the points.

Earlier in the round, Doma United and Ikorodu City played out a 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC settled for a goalless stalemate.

NPFL title race remains competitive

The Matchday 11 results have further underlined the competitive nature of the 2026/27 NPFL season, with several clubs seeking to establish themselves among the early title contenders.

Rivers United and Rangers remain closely matched at the top following their draw, while Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars gained valuable points from their respective victories.

Attention now turns to Matchday 12, where clubs will look to build on their latest results, improve their league positions and maintain their pursuit of the title, while others seek to strengthen their fight against relegation.

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