The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season is heating up, with Matchday 12 offering another chance for leading contenders to strengthen their positions and the chasing pack to close the gap. Kano Pillars were held to a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Sikiru Alimi scored for Kano Pillars in the 76th minute, but Kun Khalifat responded late to earn a point. This result moved Kano Pillars to 19 points from 12 games, keeping them in the battle near the top of the table.
Enugu Rangers, currently top of the table with 21 points from 10 matches, will look to consolidate their position against Kwara United at the Awka Township Stadium. Rangers secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday, with Chidozie Iwundu scoring the winning goal. Kwara United, on the other hand, suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Bendel Insurance and will seek a response to stay in contention. Rangers will be favorites, especially with their home advantage, but Kwara United will look to cause an upset.
Bendel Insurance will host Niger Tornadoes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, seeking a response after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Rangers. The Benin-based side remains among the leading contenders and will see this fixture as an important opportunity to get back on track. Niger Tornadoes have been competitive in the early weeks of the campaign and will look to frustrate their hosts and take something back to Minna. With both teams separated by just a few points, the encounter carries significant importance in the battle for early-season supremacy.
Barau FC will welcome Shooting Stars to the Sani Abacha Stadium in a highly anticipated fixture. Barau FC have remained competitive in their first campaign at this level and will look to use home advantage to strengthen their position in the top half of the table. Shooting Stars, meanwhile, head into the contest with renewed confidence after thrashing Abia Warriors 4-1 in Ibadan. The outcome of this match could significantly affect the ambitions of both teams.
Nasarawa United and Plateau United will renew their rivalry at the Lafia City Stadium, with both sides looking to strengthen their positions among the leading teams. Nasarawa United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kano Pillars in their last outing and will seek a response in front of their supporters. Plateau United also dropped points in their previous fixture, playing out a 1-1 draw against Warri Wolves in Jos. With both teams closely matched on points, a victory for either side could provide a valuable boost in the race for the top positions.
Warri Wolves will host Katsina United at the Southern Delta University Stadium, with both clubs seeking an important result. Warri Wolves earned a point in their previous match after holding Plateau United to a 1-1 draw in Jos and will look to turn that resilience into a home victory. Katsina United arrive with confidence after defeating Sporting Lagos 2-1, thanks to another influential performance from Luis Dadong. The Katsina-based side remains within reach of the leading pack, while Warri Wolves will seek to improve their position after a mixed start.
Abia Warriors face another important test when they welcome Doma United to the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. The Umuahia-based side are coming off a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan and will look to respond in front of their home supporters. Returning to familiar surroundings may provide the lift required to rediscover their form and challenge for a positive result against Doma United.
Key points
- Rangers look to consolidate their position against Kwara United
- Bendel Insurance seek response against Niger Tornadoes
- Barau FC and Shooting Stars set for Kano battle
