7 December 2025Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, delivered another thrilling round of action marked by emphatic victories, tactical battles, and significant movements across the table. From Rangers’ commanding display in Enugu to Remo Stars’ statement win over Enyimba, the weekend offered compelling storylines as the season approaches its halfway point.
Here is the complete recap of all eight fixtures.
Rangers International 4-1 Bayelsa United
Rangers International produced the standout performance of the weekend with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Bayelsa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
From kickoff, the Flying Antelopes displayed intensity, cohesion, and sharpness in attack. Their high press unsettled Bayelsa United, and the pressure paid off when Chidozie Iwundu struck the opener in the tenth minute after an excellent attacking move. Iwundu doubled the lead just seven minutes later, finishing calmly to put Rangers firmly in control.
Bayelsa United responded through a moment of brilliance from Issah Yusuf, who unleashed a sensational effort in the twenty second minute, a strike immediately considered a goal of the season contender.
Rangers refused to lose momentum. They restored their two goal cushion when Kenechukwu Agur converted a well worked move, before Chimobi added the fourth goal just before halftime to complete a ruthless first half performance.
The hosts controlled the second half comfortably, limiting Bayelsa United to few chances. The win keeps Rangers firmly in the title race, while Bayelsa continue to struggle defensively after conceding four or more goals for the second time this season.
Plateau United 1-0 Warri Wolves
Plateau United continued their strong home form with a tight but deserved 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in Jos.
The match was fiercely contested in midfield as both sides battled for control. Plateau United secured the breakthrough in the nineteenth minute when a dangerous cross from Nenrot Silas forced a Warri Wolves defender to score an own goal.
The Peace Boys managed the game efficiently from that point, defending with discipline and restricting Wolves to half chances. Warri Wolves found it difficult to break down Plateau’s organised structure and remain inconsistent away from home.
Remo Stars 2-1 Enyimba
In Ikenne, Remo Stars secured one of the biggest results of Matchday 16 with a gripping 2-1 win over Enyimba.
Remo Stars started brilliantly, taking the lead in the third minute when Victor Mbaoma pounced on a defensive lapse to score. Enyimba gradually settled into the contest and equalised in the thirty second minute through Edidiong Ezekiel.
Just when it seemed the first half would end level, Mbaoma struck again moments before halftime to restore Remo’s lead.
The second half was tense and tactical. Enyimba pushed for an equaliser, but Remo Stars defended with discipline and structure. Despite late pressure, Enyimba were unable to break through, giving Remo a vital win that strengthens their position among the top three.
Abia Warriors 0-0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors and Rivers United played out a cagey but tactical goalless draw in Umuahia.
Rivers United dominated possession and dictated the tempo, while Abia Warriors created the more promising chances on the counter. Both sides lacked the precision required in the final third, resulting in a stalemate that changes little for either team.
Kwara United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United extended their excellent home run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin.
The Harmony Boys dominated from the opening minutes, controlling possession and pinning Tornadoes deep. Their persistence paid off in the fifteenth minute when Bright Babatunde opened the scoring with a composed finish.
Kwara doubled their advantage in the thirty seventh minute after a Tornadoes defender inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
Tornadoes struggled throughout the match and rarely troubled Kwara’s goalkeeper.
Wikki Tourists 0-0 Ikorodu City
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City battled to a goalless draw that offered little in terms of attacking quality.
Both teams showed structure and organisation but lacked creativity in the final third. Wikki, one of the lowest scoring sides in the league, again found it difficult to create clear chances.
El Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Barau FC
Another goalless encounter unfolded in Maiduguri where El Kanemi Warriors and Barau FC shared the points.
El Kanemi created multiple promising chances but were wasteful in front of goal. Barau FC defended compactly and relied on quick counterattacks, though they rarely forced a save from the home goalkeeper.
Both sides remain in the lower half of the table following the draw.
Kano Pillars 2-1 Kun Khalifat
Kano Pillars returned to winning ways with a determined 2-1 victory over Kun Khalifat at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Pillars began strongly and took the lead in the nineteenth minute through Rabiu. Kun Khalifat responded in the twenty seventh minute as Ebuka Nwokorie finished a well constructed move to level the score.
Pillars regained the lead in the thirty eighth minute when Ali converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box.
The second half saw Pillars defend with discipline as they held on despite late pressure from Kun Khalifat. The win lifts them further away from the lower half of the table and provides renewed confidence.
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