NPFL Match Day 12: Ikorodu City’s Unbeaten Run Continues as Kano Pillars Sink Deeper

Olorunfemi AdejuyigbeNovember 10, 20250271 views

NPFL Match Day 12 delivered more twists in the title race, with the Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United both dropping points at the top. At the same time, Ikorodu City extended their remarkable unbeaten run to seven matches. The NPFL Match Day 12 featured a variety of noteworthy events, including late drama in Bauchi and violence in Katsina.

NPFL Match Day 12 Fixtures

Katsina United 1-1 Barau FC – Match Marred by Violence

NPFL Match Day 12 transformed what should have been a routine fixture at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium into a sombre day for Nigerian football. Katsina United took the lead through Uche Collins in the 36th minute, but the match will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

In the 70th minute, Barau FC forward Nana Abraham was attacked by Katsina United supporters, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. The incident overshadowed Orji Kalu’s 68th-minute equaliser for the visitors, which salvaged a point for Barau FC.

Speaking to Barau FC’s media department after receiving treatment, Abraham said, “Thank God I am feeling better right now; our medical team did their best in treating my injuries.”

The violence prompted swift action from the NPFL. Katsina United have been charged with multiple breaches of the framework and rules, including:

Failing to provide adequate and effective security, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas
Failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to harassment of Barau FC players and match officials
Supporters are throwing harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in injuries to Barau FC players
Supporters displaying conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute

Sanctions imposed on Katsina United:

All subsequent home matches to be played at the stadium in Jos and behind closed doors
₦1 million fine for throwing objects towards the pitch
₦1 million fine for failing to ensure proper conduct of supporters and bringing the game into disrepute
₦2 million fine for inadequate and ineffective security
₦2 million compensation for treatment of injuries and damages to the away team’s buses
₦2 million fine for holding match officials and the away team hostage for hours after the match
Total fines: ₦9 million

Katsina United has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.

In response, Katsina United issued a press release on 9th November condemning false media reports about the incident. The club stated, “We want to make it categorically clear that the report published is misleading, unrealistic, and entirely baseless. Katsina United remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch.”

The club has demanded that publishers retract their stories and issue a public apology, threatening legal action for those who refuse.

Wikki Tourist 1-0 Niger Tornadoes – Late Winner Decides Bauchi Clash

Wikki Tourist secured a vital three points in NPFL Match Day 12 with a dramatic late victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. Auwalu Naziru emerged as the hero, striking in the 87th minute to break the deadlock and send the home fans into raptures.

The victory lifts Wikki Tourist to the top of the table and deals a blow to Niger Tornadoes’ hopes of staying in touch with the top five during NPFL Match Day 12.

Nasarawa United 1-1 Kwara United – Leaders Drop Points

In a crucial clash at the Lafia City Stadium, league leaders Nasarawa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kwara United in NPFL Match Day 12. Anas Yusuf gave the Solid Miners a promising start by scoring in the first minute, putting the hosts ahead.

However, Kwara United demonstrated resilience by equalising through Johnmark Aule in the 36th minute, ensuring a shared victory for both teams. The result means Nasarawa United, who won their outstanding fixture against Remo Stars earlier in the week, remain top of the table on 23 points but failed to extend their advantage during NPFL Match Day 12.

Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa United – Stalemate Extends Pillars’ Winless Run

Bottom-placed Bayelsa United held Kano Pillars to a goalless draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano during NPFL Match Day 12. The result extends Sai Masu Gida’s winless run to five matches, with the struggling giants now sitting on just six points following their three-point deduction for earlier breaches.

Kano Pillars are now winless in their last five games—that’s -1 point from a possible 15 following their 3-point deduction. They’ve also scored the fewest goals this season (3 goals) after the deduction. Even without the deduction, they’d still have the joint-lowest tally (6 goals). The Sai Masu Gida are experiencing tough times.

For Bayelsa United, the draw represents a missed opportunity to climb further up the table during NPFL Match Day 12.

Abia Warriors 0-0 Enyimba – Umuahia Derby Ends All Square

The Abia State derby at the Umuahia Township Stadium failed to produce goals as league leaders Abia Warriors and Enyimba played out a 0-0 draw in NPFL Match Day 12. The result sees Abia Warriors drop to second place on 23 points, level with Nasarawa United but behind on goal difference.

For Enyimba, the point extends their unbeaten run and keeps them in mid-table contention as they continue their rebuilding campaign during NPFL Match Day 12.

Rangers International 1-0 Shooting Stars – Iwundu Strike Secures Victory

Enugu Rangers claimed all three points at the Cathedral, defeating Shooting Stars 1-0 in NPFL Match Day 12. Chidozie Iwundu scored the only goal of the game in the 27th minute, giving the Flying Antelopes a crucial victory in front of their home fans.

The win lifts Rangers to 10th position on 17 points, whilst Shooting Stars remain 11th with 17 points after the NPFL Match Day 12 defeat.

Warri Wolves 0-2 Ikorodu City – Oga Boys Extend Unbeaten Run

The story of NPFL Match Day 12 belongs to Ikorodu City, who defeated Warri Wolves 2-0 at the Warri Township Stadium to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches—the longest current streak in the league.

Tomisin Adebayo opened the scoring in the 19th minute, before Good Luck Anuba doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time (45+1) to put the Oga Boys firmly in control. The visitors comfortably saw out the second half to secure another impressive away victory during NPFL Match Day 12.

Ikorodu City are now unbeaten in their last 7 games — the longest unbeaten run in the league at the moment:

7 games unbeaten
2nd-best attack in the league
Joint 2nd-least goals conceded
Goalkeeper Michael Atata boasts the most clean sheets

The victory consolidated Ikorodu City’s position in third place, with 24 points, just one point behind leaders Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors after Match Day 12 of the NPFL. Their remarkable debut season in the top flight continues to exceed all expectations.

Outstanding NPFL Match Day 12 Fixtures

Kun Khalifat vs Rivers United
Remo Stars vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Plateau United vs Bendel Insurance

These three fixtures will be played on November 10, 2025, to complete NPFL Match Day 12, with Remo Stars desperately needing points to climb out of the relegation zone.

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What’s Next After NPFL Match Day 12?

Today’s three outstanding fixtures will complete NPFL Match Day 12 and could provide further twists in both the title race and relegation battle. The Remo Stars face the El-Kanemi Warriors in a must-win game as the defending champions continue fighting for survival. At the same time, Plateau United hosts Bendel Insurance in another crucial relegation six-pointer.

At the top, the title race has never been more open. Ikorodu City’s stunning form puts them in genuine contention, while Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors know they cannot afford many more slip-ups during NPFL Match Day 12 and beyond.

For Kano Pillars, the situation is dire. Kano Pillars have gone five games without a win, have the lowest goal tally in the league, and are facing mounting pressure on all fronts. The board needs to take decisive action to prevent a catastrophic relegation that could have a profound impact on Nigerian football.

The violence in Katsina overshadowed much of the weekend’s action during NPFL Match Day 12, serving as a strong indication that off-field issues continue to plague the league. While swift sanctions are a good start, the NPFL needs systemic change to ensure player safety and rebuild its reputation.

As the season nears its midpoint with 12 matches completed, the significance of each game intensifies. Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run, Kano Pillars’ struggles, and the violence in Katsina have dominated the headlines of NPFL Match Day 12. As we look ahead, one thing is sure: this season will be remembered for its drama, unpredictability, and compelling storylines.

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Frequently Asked Questions – NPFL Match Day 12

Q: Who are the current league leaders after Match Day 12?

A: Nasarawa United lead the NPFL table on 23 points after Match Day 12, ahead of Abia Warriors on goal difference. Both teams are level on points, with Ikorodu City close behind in third place on 24 points.

Q: What happened during the Katsina United vs Barau FC match?

A: The match was marred by violence when Barau FC forward Nana Abraham was attacked by Katsina United supporters in the 70th minute, resulting in injuries requiring immediate medical attention. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the incident led to severe sanctions against Katsina United.

Q: What sanctions did Katsina United receive?

A: Katsina United were hit with total fines of ₦9 million and must play all subsequent home matches behind closed doors at the stadium in Jos. The sanctions include penalties for inadequate security, failing to control supporters, objects thrown onto the pitch, compensation for injuries and damages, and holding match officials hostage.

Q: How long is Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run?

A: Ikorodu City have extended their unbeaten run to seven matches, which is currently the longest streak in the league. They defeated the Warri Wolves 2-0 during Match Day 12 to maintain this impressive form.

Q: How did Katsina United respond to the sanctions?

Katsina United issued a press release on November 9th condemning what they called “false media reports,” describing them as “misleading, unrealistic, and entirely baseless.” The club demanded retractions and public apologies, threatening legal action. They have 48 hours from the notice date to appeal the sanctions.