The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025 2026 season continues this weekend with Match Day 2 fixtures across the country. After an opening round filled with shocks and surprises, heavyweights such as Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, Rivers United, Enyimba, and Bendel Insurance will be desperate to secure their first victories of the campaign.
With ten matches scheduled, fans can expect high drama as newly promoted sides continue to challenge established teams, while title contenders look to avoid early slip ups.
Bendel Insurance v Shooting Stars
The weekend begins on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, where Bendel Insurance host long time rivals Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
Bendel Insurance are under pressure after falling 2-0 to El Kanemi Warriors in their opening match. For Shooting Stars, the situation is no less critical after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bayelsa United. With fans already questioning the newly assembled technical crew, avoiding defeat in Benin is crucial.
Prediction: Bendel Insurance 1 v 1 Shooting Stars
Bayelsa United v Barau
Fresh from a morale boosting away victory against Shooting Stars, Bayelsa United return to Yenagoa with confidence. Coach Monday Odigie will lead his side against Barau FC, now managed by former Bayelsa coach Ladan Bosso.
Barau impressed with a goalless draw against Enyimba in their first ever NPFL fixture, and will be looking to upset their hosts. However, Bayelsa United have momentum and the home crowd behind them.
Prediction: Bayelsa United 2 v 0 Barau
Enyimba v Niger Tornadoes
Nine time champions Enyimba International play their first home game of the season at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. After finishing a disappointing sixth last season, the People’s Elephant are determined to bounce back against Niger Tornadoes.
The Minna side began their campaign positively with a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United and will be eager to shock their hosts. Still, Enyimba remain favourites at home.
Prediction: Enyimba 2 v 0 Niger Tornadoes
Kano Pillars v Wikki Tourist
Kano Pillars suffered defeat at Abia Warriors last weekend and must respond when they face newly promoted Wikki Tourist at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Coach Evans Ogenyi is under pressure to restore belief among the Kano faithful, while Wikki Tourist will be buoyed by their 1-0 opening day win against Plateau United.
Prediction: Kano Pillars 2 v 0 Wikki Tourist
Nasarawa United v Abia Warriors
Having lost their derby against Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United are desperate for a response. Their opponents, Abia Warriors, will be full of confidence after defeating Kano Pillars. With a CAF Confederation Cup qualifier looming, Abia Warriors want to keep their form sharp.
Prediction: Nasarawa United 1 v 1 Abia Warriors
Plateau United v Kastina United
Two wounded sides meet in Jos after both lost their opening fixtures. New Plateau coach Oluwasola Adegun, formerly of Sporting Lagos, will be keen to impress the home supporters. Kastina United, meanwhile, are still recovering from a shock home defeat to Warri Wolves.
Prediction: Plateau United 1 v 0 Kastina United
Warri Wolves v Rangers International
“Warri No Dey Carry Last.” Newly promoted Warri Wolves announced their return in style with a 1-0 win away at Kastina United. Now at home, Coach Napoleon Aluma will look to continue their strong start against Rangers International of Enugu.
Rangers stumbled with a home draw against Khun Khalifat FC, making this a tricky away test. Warri Wolves’ strong history against Rangers adds another layer of intrigue.
Prediction: Warri Wolves 2 v 1 Rangers International
Ikorodu City v El Kanemi Warriors
After finishing fourth in their debut NPFL campaign, Ikorodu City want to go even higher this season. Their opening day draw against Kwara United showed promise, and they will fancy their chances against El Kanemi Warriors, who stunned Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri last weekend.
Prediction: Ikorodu City 3 v 0 El Kanemi Warriors
Khun Khalifat FC v Remo Stars
The round concludes on Monday as newcomers Khun Khalifat FC host reigning champions Remo Stars in Aba. Khalifat showed resilience in a goalless draw against Rangers on debut and will look to shock the champions.
Remo Stars, however, are determined to collect their first win after a 1-1 draw with Rivers United. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede will expect his side to make their experience count.
Prediction: Khun Khalifat FC 1 v 2 Remo Stars
