Bendel Insurance striker Alex Oweilayefa put up a show in one of Sunday’s matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as he scored three times in his club’s 4-0 thumping of Ikorodu City.
Oweilayefa and his teammates were quicker off the blocks against Ikorodu City who are in the race for the title.
The quick start paid off for Kennedy Boboye’s men as Oweilayefa put them ahead on 15 minutes.
Nine minutes later, Wisdom Udom doubled the lead before Oweilayefa scored his second of the game in the 27th minute to make any sort of comeback impossible for Ikorodu City.
Oweilayefa sealed an impressive afternoon with his third just a minute before the hour mark to condemn Ikorodu City to their heaviest defeat of the season.
The last time Ikorodu City conceded four goals in match was earlier in the season when they lost 2-4 at Niger Tornadoes in September 2025.
Former champions, Rangers International, benefited from the slips of other title contenders especially Ikorodu City and Rivers United to go top of the pile.
The Flying Antelopes made sure they secured the full points against Nasarawa United at their Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium home in Enugu through goals from Godwin Obaje (18′) and Chidiebere Nwobodo (26′).
Rangers are now one point ahead of Rivers United who have 46 points and three outstanding matches.
Rivers United suffered a one-nil defeat at South-south rivals, Bayelsa United. Temple Emekayi unfortunately turned the ball into his own net on 13 minutes as Bayelsa United did the double over Rivers United.
The champions Remo Stars got only their second win since the start of 2026 as Haruna Hadi’s brace on 60 and 62 minutes ensured their new head coach, Usman Abd’Allah began his reign with a win. But the titleholders still remain in the bottom-four.
Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke fired Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to a two-goal lead against Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan before Mustapha Jibrin scored a late goal in the 79th minute for Pillars.
Enyimba were saved the embarrassment of a home defeat to new boys, Kun Khalifat FC, in a Southeast Derby by Ekene Awazie’s late goal after James Ekebuike had given the Owerri side the lead on 38 minutes.
The only game that failed to provide a goal in this matchweek took place at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna where Niger Tornadoes in spite of their dominance shared points with visiting Warri Wolves.
The matchday will be rounded off in Kano on Monday when Barau FC play hosts to Plateau United at the Sani Abacha Stadium from 4pm. The match is live on NPFL Live streaming app powered by Propel Sports.