NPFL Match Day 13: Ikorodu City Claim Top Spot as Wikki Tourists End 1,305-Day Away Drought

Olorunfemi AdejuyigbeNovember 18, 20250237 views

The 2025/26 NPFL season delivered its most dramatic weekend yet as NPFL Match Day 13 saw a new league leader emerge, historic away victories, and management shake-ups that sent shockwaves through Nigerian football. From Ikorodu City’s ascent to the summit to Wikki Tourists ending a near four-year away drought, NPFL Match Day 13 had everything.

NPFL Match Day 13 Results

Ikorodu City 2-1 Plateau United – Oga Boys Claim Top Spot

The headline story of NPFL Match Day 13 came from the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, where Ikorodu City defeated Plateau United 2-1 to claim top spot in the NPFL table for the first time in their history. Joseph Arumala opened the scoring for the Oga Boys before substitute Alade Balogun made an instant impact, scoring barely a minute after coming on to double the lead.

Plateau United pulled one back through Wisdom Ndon, but Ikorodu City held firm to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches, the longest current streak in the league. The victory lifts them to 24 points from 13 games, level with Nasarawa United but ahead on goal difference.

Speaking after the match, Plateau United coach Shola Adegun reflected on the defeat: “I’m not fully satisfied but proud of the character the boys showed today. We keep pushing.”

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Enyimba – Historic Away Victory After 1,305 Days

In one of the most remarkable stories of NPFL Match Day 13, Wikki Tourists secured their first away victory in 1,305 days with a 1-0 triumph over Enyimba at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. Abubakar Aliyu scored a superb strike to seal the historic win, ending a drought that had lasted nearly four years.

The victory extends the Wikki Tourists’ excellent run to four matches without defeat (W W D W), lifting them to sixth place on 19 points. For Enyimba, the home defeat represents another setback in what has been a disappointing campaign for the seven-time champions during NPFL Match Day 13.

Kun Khalifat 1-1 Nasarawa United – Management Shake-Up Follows Draw

Nasarawa United dropped crucial points at the top of the table as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat during NPFL Match Day 13. Last season’s top scorer, Anas Yusuf, continued his strong form, scoring his latest goal to give Kun Khalifat the lead. The midfielder now has five goal contributions in 11 appearances this season.

However, the draw prompted dramatic action from the Kun Khalifat hierarchy. Despite salvaging a point against the joint leaders, the club announced the disbandment of their entire coaching and management structure during NPFL Match Day 13. Sitting 17th on the table and winless in four matches, the newly promoted side has opted for wholesale changes in a desperate bid to avoid relegation.

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Katsina United, who continue to serve their sanctions following the violence against Barau FC. Ismail Sarki opened the scoring before Abdulrasheed Dabai sealed the three points, lifting Niger Tornadoes to fifth place on 20 points during NPFL Match Day 13.

Bayelsa United 2-1 Abia Warriors

In a significant result during NPFL Match Day 13, Bayelsa United defeated title-chasing Abia Warriors 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Emmanuel Chinedu scored a brace to give the Prosperity Boys a crucial victory, despite Sunday Megwo’s reply for the visitors. The defeat sees Abia Warriors drop to fourth place on 22 points, two points behind the leaders.

Rivers United 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rivers United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Warri Wolves at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt during NPFL Match Day 13. Warri Wolves took the lead through Ademola Adebambo, but Rivers United fought back with goals from Emmanuel Nnaji and Samson Obi to claim all three points, lifting them to third place on 23 points.

El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Kwara United

El-Kanemi Warriors secured a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Kwara United at the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium in Maiduguri during NPFL Match Day 13. Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring before Ismail Muktar sealed the win. They occupy 10th place on 18 points.

Bendel Insurance 3-2 Kano Pillars – Late Drama in Benin City

In the most entertaining match of NPFL Match Day 13, Bendel Insurance edged Kano Pillars 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Kayode Oke Solomon gave Insurance the lead before Emmanuel Dung doubled the advantage.

Rabiu Ali and Chiedozie Okorie, who finally scored after 12 goalless matches, rallied Kano Pillars to level the scores. However, Emmanuel Akpan struck in the 87th minute to secure a dramatic victory for Bendel Insurance during NPFL Match Day 13.

Despite Okorie’s first goal of the season, the defeat extends Kano Pillars’ winless run to six league matches, their longest barren streak in eight years.

Barau FC 2-0 Rangers International – Crucial Victory Lifts Barau Off Bottom

In the outstanding fixture from NPFL Match Day 13, Barau FC secured a vital 2-0 victory over Rangers International at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Muhammed Umar opened the scoring in the 24th minute, giving the home side a crucial advantage before halftime.

Joseph Kemin sealed the three points in the 75th minute with Barau’s second goal, completing a memorable afternoon for the newly promoted side. The victory lifts Barau FC to 16th place on 13 points, climbing out of the relegation zone and providing much-needed breathing room in their fight for survival during NPFL Match Day 13.

For Rangers International, the defeat represents another disappointing result as they remain in mid-table mediocrity.

Postponed Fixtures

Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars – Postponed due to the PDP National Convention.

READ ALSO:

Key Talking Points from NPFL Match Day 13

Ikorodu City’s Historic Achievement

Playing their first-ever NPFL match on 8th September 2024, Ikorodu City ended NPFL Match Day 13 sitting top of the table. The Oga Boys have achieved remarkable success in their inaugural top-flight campaign, surpassing all expectations. Their eight-match unbeaten run, combined with their second-best attack and joint second-best defence in the league, makes them genuine title contenders.

Alade Balogun’s impact off the bench during NPFL Match Day 13, scoring within a minute of coming on, demonstrates the squad depth that could prove crucial in the title race.

Wikki Tourists’ Remarkable Turnaround

Ending a 1,305-day wait for an away victory is no small feat. Wikki Tourists’ 1-0 win over Enyimba during NPFL Match Day 13 represents a turning point in their season. Now unbeaten in four matches and sitting seventh, the Bauchi-based club has quietly climbed the table and positioned itself for a potential push towards continental qualification.

Kun Khalifat’s Drastic Measures

The decision to disband the entire coaching and management structure during NPFL Match Day 13 demonstrates the desperation at Kun Khalifat. Despite earning a credible draw against joint leaders Nasarawa United, the club’s board clearly felt that sitting 17th and winless in four matches warranted drastic action.

Kano Pillar Struggles Continue

It remains a difficult season for Kano Pillars, occupying the 20th position on the log after NPFL Match Day 13. Kano Pillars are winless in six league matches, their longest barren run in eight years. Chiedozie Okorie finally broke his duck during NPFL Match Day 13, but one goal in 13 games represents a woeful return for a striker brought in to lead the attack.

Title Race Wide Open

With just a goal difference separating Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United at the top after NPFL Match Day 13, and Rivers United just one point behind with a game in hand, the title race remains beautifully poised. Despite their recent stumble, we cannot discount Abia Warriors, who are two points behind the pace.

Where grit meets glory — explore the Sport category on Rex Clarke Adventures and experience Nigeria’s athletic heartbeat.

FAQs About NPFL Match Day 13

Q: Who is at the top of the NPFL table after Match Day 13?

A: Ikorodu City lead the NPFL table on 24 points after NPFL Match Day 13, level with Nasarawa United but ahead on goal difference.

Q: When was Wikki Tourists’ last away win before Match Day 13?

A: Wikki Tourists hadn’t won an away match in 1,305 days before their 1-0 victory over Enyimba during NPFL Match Day 13.

Q: Why did Kun Khalifat disband their coaching staff?

A: Despite drawing with Nasarawa United in NPFL Match Day 13, Kun Khalifat sit 17th and are winless in four matches, prompting the club to disband their entire coaching and management structure.

Q: How long is Kano Pillars’ current winless run?

A: Kano Pillars are winless in six league matches after NPFL Match Day 13, their longest barren streak in eight years.

Q: Which fixtures from Match Day 13 were postponed?

The match between Shooting Stars and Remo Stars was postponed due to the PDP National Convention, while the game between Barau FC and Enugu Rangers has yet to be played.