NPFL Matchday 34: Survival Battle Ignites as Wikki Shock Bayelsa, Khalifat Fight Back, and Rivers United Stay Top
3 min read
By Tolu Oguntimehin
The Nigeria Professional Football League is reaching fever pitch, and the relegation battle has exploded into life. Teams once written off are staging dramatic comebacks, turning the fight for survival into one of the most compelling storylines of the season.
In Yenagoa, Wikki Tourists delivered one of the standout results of the round, stunning Bayelsa United on their home turf. With survival at stake, Bayelsa were expected to rise to the occasion but Wikki had other ideas.
Fearless and determined, the visitors matched their hosts stride for stride before Imamu Bala struck in the 67th minute to seal a priceless victory. The result heaps pressure on Bayelsa United, with their manager now facing increasing scrutiny after a run of poor performances.
Kun Khalifat also reignited their survival hopes with a commanding performance against an in-form Warri Wolves side. Mmesoma Nnorom gave the hosts an early advantage in the 19th minute, setting the tone for a spirited display.
Late heroics from Uchechukwu Onuaha, who netted twice in the 77th and 90th minutes, ensured a convincing win and sent a clear message that Khalifat are far from finished.
In Kano, Barau FC continued their impressive push for a top-five finish with a hard-fought victory over last season’s champions, who now find themselves in an unexpected relegation scrap.
After falling behind to Hadi Haruna’s 63rd-minute opener, Barau responded with character. Joseph Atule leveled matters in the 70th minute before Joseph Kemim struck the decisive goal in the 84th, keeping their continental ambitions firmly on track.
The tension extended to Ibadan, where Shooting Stars were held to a frustrating draw by a resolute Kwara United side. The Afonja Warriors delivered a disciplined and organized performance, successfully neutralizing their hosts to earn a valuable point at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City produced a statement response following last week’s heavy defeat. Facing Kano Pillars, they turned on the style with a dominant 3-0 victory. Joseph Arumala opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a composed finish, Tosin Oyedokun doubled the lead in the 71st, and Abayomi Ayodeji added a late third to cap an emphatic performance that keeps them within touching distance of the league leaders.
Enyimba FC mirrored that scoreline with a convincing 3-0 win over Katsina United. Goals from Stanley Dimgba, Chidera Michael, and Wonah Ebah secured all three points and lifted the People’s Elephant to 12th place on the table.
At the top of the standings, Rivers United maintained their grip with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Plateau United. Wisdom Samuel’s early strike in the 11th minute proved decisive, ensuring they remain firmly in control of the title race. Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes were held to a draw by Enugu Rangers in a tightly contested encounter.
Earlier in the round, Bendel Insurance showed resilience despite the absence of suspended head coach Kennedy Boboye, edging Abia Warriors 1-0 to wrap up an action-packed Matchday 34.
With just a few games remaining, the fight to avoid relegation is intensifying. Momentum is shifting, belief is growing, and the so-called underdogs are refusing to go quietly. The battle for survival is not just alive it’s raging.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
