Matchday nine of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a weekend of high drama and surprise results, as away teams dominated across several centres. Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat both secured impressive victories on the road, while Niger Tornadoes’ Abdulaziz Dalhatu stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick in Minna.
At the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, Warri Wolves silenced the home crowd with a 2–1 win over Enyimba, ending the People’s Elephants’ four-match unbeaten home run. An own goal from Mohammed Hussaini in the 18th minute put the visitors ahead before Edidiong Ezekiel equalised for the hosts. However, Tejiri Emonena’s 67th-minute strike sealed the win for Wolves, handing Enyimba their second consecutive defeat and dropping them to eighth place with 13 points.
In Yenagoa, Kun Khalifat continued their resurgence with a 2–1 triumph over Bayelsa United. Uche Moses opened the scoring in the 54th minute, and though Jawad Mustapha equalised from the spot, Olubode Hassan’s 77th-minute goal clinched victory for the Owerri-based side — their second straight win after beating Enyimba in matchday eight. The result moved them to 14th place with 11 points.
The biggest headline of the weekend came from Minna, where Niger Tornadoes dismantled Plateau United in a commanding 4–0 victory. Abdulaziz Dalhatu was the hero, netting in the 13th, 52nd, and 69th minutes, before Terdoo Shimagande added a late fourth. The emphatic win lifted Tornadoes to fourth on the table with 14 points and a +5 goal difference, showcasing their growing attacking firepower.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) maintained their impressive home form with a 2–0 win over Abia Warriors. Goals from Ayobami Junior and Qamar Adegoke secured the Oluyole Warriors’ fourth win of the season, moving them up to second place with 15 points and extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.
League leaders Nasarawa United suffered a setback in Lagos, losing 2–0 to Ikorodu City. Chidera Oparaocha opened the scoring early before Joseph Arumala doubled the advantage. Despite the defeat, Nasarawa retained top spot with 19 points, while Ikorodu climbed to fifth, extending their remarkable 22-match unbeaten home record.
In Ilorin, Kwara United edged Katsina United 2–1, courtesy of a late winner from Ibrahim Yahaya in the 80th minute, rounding off a weekend that proved both unpredictable and exhilarating for NPFL fans.
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