By Amaechi Agbo

Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a weekend of pure drama, marked by historic upsets, goal-fests, and shattered streaks across the country.

While newly-promoted Inter Lagos left the heavyweights stunned in Aba, Kano Pillars laid down a ruthless marker on home soil, and defending champions Rangers International proved exactly why they remain the team to beat.

Giant-Killers: Inter Lagos Silence Aba

The biggest shock of the weekend occurred at the Enyimba International Stadium, where league debutants Inter Lagos secured a historic 1-0 victory over nine-time champions Enyimba FC.

Ezekiel Moses proved to be the hero for the Lagos side, rising highest to bury a clinical header from a pinpoint cross in the 18th minute. Despite throw-ins, set-pieces, and waves of pressure from the Aba giants, Inter Lagos held their nerve to secure their first-ever NPFL win.

For Enyimba, the nightmarish start to the season deepens. The People’s Elephant have now lost all three of their opening matches, leaving them rock bottom of the log with zero points amidst growing technical and administrative unrest.

Pillars Demolish Table-Toppers Doma United

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars put on the most dominant performance of the round, demolishing previously perfect Doma United 4-1.

Before kickoff, Doma United sat comfortably at the top of the table with three successive wins and zero goals conceded. However, Pillars completely tore the script apart. Abdullahi Musa opened the floodgates in the 19th minute, followed by a trademark strike from veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali to make it 2-0 before halftime.

Doma United showed signs of life in the 53rd minute when Sadiq Rilwan pulled one back. Yet, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished. Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa restored the two-goal cushion in the 77th minute, and Nasiru Salihu added gloss to the scoreline with a stoppage-time goal. Despite the heavy defeat, Doma United narrowly maintain their spot at the top of the table with 9 points, while Pillars surge to third with 7 points and a game in hand.

Unstoppable Rangers Reign Supreme in Oriental Derby

Defending champions Rangers International underlined their title credentials with a thrilling 4-2 away victory against Kun Khalifat FC in a highly entertaining Oriental Derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Rangers established control early in the first half with goals from Temitope Folarin and Waheed Adebayo. Kun Khalifat fought back valiantly, scoring twice through Preye Seikorowei and Ayuba Umar to put the champions on notice. However, Rangers’ quality shone through in the final moments of the game. A late, spectacular brace from Chimobi Igwilo sealed the maximum points for the Flying Antelopes. With the victory, Rangers preserve their unbeaten status this season, climbing to 5th place with 7 points from just three games.

The away-win trend continued at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where Abia Warriors stunned Sporting Lagos 2-0 with late goals from Ikoi Etta and former top-scorer Emeka Obioma.

Warriors Conquer Lagos, Plateau Roar Back

Away dominance stretched beyond Aba. At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Sporting Lagos suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Abia Warriors. Sporting, who had previously dominated Inter Lagos 3-0, looked completely blunt as the visiting Warriors absorbed pressure before striking late. Ikoi Etta broke the deadlock in the 88th minute before former league top-scorer Emeka Obioma put the game out of reach in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, in Jos, Plateau United showed immense character against Shooting Stars (3SC). The visitors took an early lead through Taheer Abubakar in the 15th minute, but Plateau United turned the game completely on its head after the break. Quick-fire responses from Jibrin Ibrahim, Seiyefa Jackson, and Gideon Monday completed a resounding 3-1 turnaround for the home side.

Share of the Spoils

The round also saw tactical stalemates. Nasarawa United and Rivers United battled out a gritty 1-1 draw, leaving both managers with food for thought ahead of next week. Elsewhere, newly-promoted Barau FC continued their impressive start to top-flight life, executing a perfect defensive game plan to hold Ikorodu City to a goalless draw in Lagos, ensuring they fly back to Kano with their unbeaten record firmly intact