Sports

NPFL: Relegation dogfight as Insurance host Kano Pillars

Published

3 months ago

November 15, 2025

NPFL: Relegation dogfight as Insurance host Kano Pillars

Matchday 13 of the Nigeria Premier Football League promises high-stakes drama across multiple centres but none more compelling than the relegation dogfight in Benin City. With Insurance and Kano Pillars anchored at the foot of the table, today’s clash transcends three points—it’s a battle for survival, momentum and stability, writes TUNDE LIADI.

The spotlight of Matchday 13 shines brightest on the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where relegation-threatened Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars face off in a high-pressure encounter today.

Positioned in the bottom two, both clubs are in dire need of a morale-boosting result. Insurance, winless in eight games, last celebrated victory on September 13 when they edged Niger Tornadoes with a late strike. Pillars, on the other hand, have gone five matches without a win since their narrow 1-0 triumph over Kwara United on October 8.

Kennedy Boboye, hired to revive Insurance’s fortunes, is still searching for his first win after recording just three draws and one loss in four games. His counterpart, Mohammed Babaganaru—an icon in Kano following his two league titles—has also yet to inspire a turnaround. With both clubs drowning in poor form, today’s fixture could define the trajectory of their season.

Tomorrow in Lagos, Ikorodu City welcome Plateau United as they continue their remarkable push near the top of the table. The Lagos side sit third on 21 points and are brimming with confidence following their stylish away win over Warri Wolves. Plateau United, buoyed by last weekend’s win over Bendel Insurance, will hope to stall Ikorodu City’s momentum. For coach Shola Adegun, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena offers familiar territory, and perhaps, an opportunity for a statement result.

The highly anticipated South West derby between Shooting Stars and Remo Stars will not hold as the Lekan Salami Stadium is unavailable due to political engagements. A new date will be announced by the league body.

In Owerri, Kun Khalifat will seek redemption before their supporters when they confront table-topping Nasarawa United. Having fallen to Rivers United on Monday, the Imo side can’t afford back-to-back home defeats with pressure mounting on the dugout.

El Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, host Kwara United in Maiduguri with the wounds of their late collapse against Remo Stars still fresh. Kabiru Dogo’s side surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in Abeokuta and must now overcome the resilient Harmony Boys, who continue to impress under coach Ashifat Sulaiman.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes lock horns with Katsina United in a meeting of two sides desperate for stability. Katsina’s disappointing draw at home to Barau FC last weekend sparked unrest among supporters, while Tornadoes hope to recover from their defeat in Bauchi to Wikki Tourists.

Kano will witness Barau FC’s home tie against Rangers, a clash loaded with implications for the survival battle. Barau FC, sitting in the relegation zone, picked up an impressive away point last weekend but must start converting draws to wins to escape danger. Rangers, however, arrive with renewed confidence after securing their first away win of the season against Remo Stars in Abeokuta.

Rivers United, now fourth with 20 points and a game in hand, continue their climb as they host Warri Wolves in a South-South derby. Warri Wolves, sitting sixth, surprisingly harvest their best results away from home and have struggled for consistency at their Ozoro base.

Bayelsa United, having frustrated Kano Pillars in Katsina last weekend, are under pressure to deliver at home against Abia Warriors. With a technical crew operating under the shadow of an ultimatum, the Prosperity Boys cannot afford another slip in Yenagoa. Abia Warriors themselves arrive disappointed after being held to a goalless draw in the Abia derby by Enyimba.

In Aba, Enyimba host Wikki Tourists in a clash of Elephants. The People’s Elephant picked up a valuable point in Umuahia following their win over Kano Pillars two weeks ago and will target maximum points against a Wikki side that has struggled to impose itself away from home. The game also pits current Wikki coach Abdu Maikaba against his former employer—adding further intrigue.