By Tolulope Oguntimehin
This season in the Nigeria Premier Football League has seen the return of football’s so-called dark arts — and no side embodies it better than Bendel Insurance. Three goals in four matches, every single one from the same source: throw-ins.
Their latest masterstroke came in dramatic fashion against Niger Tornadoes. With the clock ticking into the 93rd minute and hope fading, a long throw sparked chaos in the box. Substitute Israel Emmanuel, barely on the pitch after replacing Austin Osayande, reacted quickest to poke home the winner after a clever flick from a teammate. It sealed a hard-fought 1–0 victory and sent the Benin faithful into raptures.
Elsewhere, Enyimba were the only side to record an away win on Matchday 4. The People’s Elephant, slowly rediscovering their rhythm, silenced high-flying Bayelsa United with two late strikes. Chidera Michael struck in the 76th minute before Kalu Nweke sealed the points in the 85th, reminding the league that Enyimba’s pedigree is never in doubt.
In Umuahia, Somiari Alalibo was the hero for Abia Warriors. Having collected just three points from their opening three matches, the Warriors desperately needed a response — and Alalibo delivered in the 51st minute to hand them a much-needed win.
Kano Pillars also breathed a sigh of relief at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Ahmedusa produced a moment of class in the 65th minute, ensuring the Sai Masu Gida faithful finally had reason to cheer after weeks of off-field headlines overshadowing poor results on the pitch.
In Lafia, Garba Mohammed popped up with a decisive strike to hand Nasarawa United victory over in-form Wikki Tourists. But if relief was felt in Lafia, it was nothing compared to the atmosphere in Jos. Plateau United stunned table-topping Remo Stars 2–0, courtesy of goals from Tarabina Biweribo and Mafeng Pam, a result that lifted them off the bottom of the table into 18th place. Their escape act pushed Shooting Stars (3SC) into last place, after the Oluyole Warriors slumped to a 1–0 defeat in Port Harcourt. Ubong Friday’s 72nd-minute winner for Rivers United not only condemned 3SC but also drew Rivers level with Enyimba at the top of the standings.
In Imo State, newly promoted Kun Khalifat finally gave their fans reason to celebrate. An emphatic 3–1 win over El Kanemi Warriors was powered by Ebuka Nwokorie’s brace (34’, 56’), with Onuorah Onyedika adding another in the 48th minute. El Kanemi’s Ebuka Okoro briefly gave hope with a 47th-minute strike, but the home side’s firepower proved too strong.
Meanwhile in Warri, Warri Wolves were held to a goalless draw by resilient Kwara United, unable to break down the Afonja Warriors’ defensive wall. And in Lagos, Ikorodu City finally got their campaign off the ground. Joseph Arumala struck in the 64th minute before Ayomide Cole sealed the 2–0 win in the 83rd, sparking wild celebrations for Ali Kandil’s men.
From Benin’s dark arts to Enyimba’s resurgence and Plateau United’s revival, Matchday 4 delivered all the drama, heartbreak, and relief that makes the NPFL one of Africa’s most unpredictable leagues
