By Tunde Afolabi, Sports Desk Editor
November 20, 2025
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continues to deliver drama on and off the pitch, with Enyimba FC swiftly debunking rumors of drastic player wage slashes amid a rocky season, newcomers Barau FC riding high after a morale-boosting win, and Rivers United shifting gears for continental action. As matchday 13 wraps up, these developments highlight the league’s blend of resilience, ambition, and high-stakes transitions, keeping fans on edge for what’s next in the 2025/26 campaign.
Enyimba Fires Back at Wage Cut Rumors Following Wikki Tourists Upset
Enyimba FC, the nine-time NPFL champions, wasted no time addressing a viral report claiming a 50% salary reduction for players after their shocking 1-0 home defeat to Wikki Tourists on Sunday. The loss at Enyimba Stadium in Aba marked the People’s Elephants’ second home reversal this season, intensifying scrutiny on technical adviser Stanley Eguma, who along with two assistants, faces suspension amid the fallout.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, the club dismissed the allegations as “fabricated” and “purely the figment of the writer’s imagination,” originating from an unverified social media post amplified by a media outlet. “At no time did the management approve, initiate, or implement any salary reduction,” the statement emphasized, urging the public to disregard the claims and warning of potential legal action against those spreading misinformation.
The rumors, first circulated via Complete Sports and anonymous player quotes alleging half-pay letters distributed by captain Pascal Eze, painted a picture of internal discord. Enyimba, owned by Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, reiterated its commitment to professionalism and player welfare, noting that no match bonuses have been withheld but are paid per the club’s code of conduct—often post-season for certain allowances. This isn’t the first such controversy; earlier in July, the club rebutted similar claims from ex-player Brown Ideye regarding unpaid bonuses and poor welfare.
Currently languishing in mid-table with inconsistent results, Enyimba eyes redemption in Saturday’s away clash against Katsina United. The swift denial aims to refocus the squad, but whispers of deeper unrest linger as the Aba giants chase a top-four finish to secure continental qualification.
Barau FC’s Convincing Rangers Win Injects Newfound Optimism into Relegation Fight
Fresh off promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs in July, Barau FC—nicknamed the Maliya Boys—delivered a statement performance with a 2-0 upset over Enugu Rangers at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday. The victory, their third in 13 matches, propelled the newcomers from second-bottom to 16th on the NPFL table with 13 points, easing early relegation jitters and sparking renewed belief in coach Ladan Bosso’s project.
Muhammad Umar broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a clinical finish, before Joseph Kemin doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half via a towering header from Bismark’s pinpoint cross. Rangers, the Flying Antelopes, pressed late but couldn’t breach Barau’s resolute defense, marking the Kano side’s first clean sheet against a top-half opponent this season.
Bosso, a veteran tactician with stints at El-Kanemi Warriors and Bayelsa United, hailed the result as a “big motivation” for more triumphs, crediting the squad’s unity and home support. “This win gings the team toward achieving more victories,” he told reporters post-match, emphasizing how it builds on earlier successes against Kano Pillars and Kun Khalifat.
Founded just years ago with backing from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the club earned plaudits for its rapid ascent, topping NNL Conference A unbeaten before clinching promotion via a 2-0 playoff win over Doma United. Striker Nana Abraham, who bounced back from a pre-season attack in Katsina, and defender Uzo Ezeobi Jr. have been pivotal, bringing experience to a youthful core. With a game in hand, Barau hosts Rivers United in a rescheduled fixture today (Wednesday), a chance to climb further and silence doubters in their debut top-flight season.
- Key Takeaways from Barau’s Rangers Triumph:
- Scoreline: 2-0 (Umar 25′, Kemin 52′)
- Table Impact: From 19th to 16th; 3 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses
- Standout Stats: First win over Rangers; third victory overall, all at home
- Next Test: Vs. Rivers United (Nov. 19, home); aiming for back-to-back wins
Rivers United Gears Up for CAF Champions League Debut in Cairo
Shifting from domestic dominance to African ambitions, Rivers United departed Port Harcourt on Tuesday for Egypt, primed for their CAF Champions League group stage opener against defending champions Pyramids FC on Saturday at 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The Pride of Rivers, routed via Lagos, carry momentum from Sunday’s 2-1 NPFL victory over Warri Wolves—their sixth win and first multi-goal outing this season.
Coach Finidi George, the ex-Super Eagles winger turned tactician, set a clear mandate: sharpen the attack while preserving their league-best defense (just four goals conceded). “We must keep pushing to score more goals,” George urged, eyeing a strong start in Group A alongside Morocco’s RS Berkane and Zambia’s Power Dynamos. The Port Harcourt side’s continental bow follows a grueling qualifiers run, including triumphs over AS Vita Club and Club Africain.
Rivers United, 2021/22 NPFL kings and formed from the 2016 Sharks-Dolphins merger, boast a rich legacy with four FA Cup titles and a shot at Champions League glory. Their away form in Africa has been mixed, but George’s blueprint—blending veterans like forward Stephen Odey with emerging talents—fuels optimism. Post-Egypt, they host Berkane on November 28 in Uyo, juggling three outstanding NPFL games amid the fixture pile-up.
Pyramids, Egyptian giants with a squad blending African stars and tactical nous, pose a stern test, but United’s recent resilience—edging Wolves via late drama—signals readiness. Fans back home are buzzing, with #PrideOfRivers trending on social media as the team acclimatizes to Cairo’s intensity.
- Rivers United’s CAF Prep Highlights:
- Opponent: Pyramids FC (defending champs; Group A leaders in 2024/25)
- Travel: Departed PHC Tuesday; arrive Cairo Wednesday
- Form Guide: 6 NPFL wins; 2-1 vs. Warri Wolves (latest)
- Group Fixtures: Pyramids (A, Nov. 22), Berkane (H, Nov. 28), Power Dynamos (A, Dec. 2025)
- Historical Note: First group stage since 2021 Confederation Cup semis
Broader NPFL Pulse: Mid-Season Shifts and Relegation Scraps
Beyond these headlines, matchday 13 saw Ikorodu City surge to the summit with a win over Plateau United, while Remo Stars and Bayelsa United notched vital points in the survival dogfight. Coaches like Nasarawa United’s bemoan home draws, underscoring the league’s unpredictability—where newcomers like Barau can topple giants like Rangers.
With 20 clubs vying for glory and safety, the NPFL’s 2025/26 edition promises twists, from Enyimba’s image rehab to Rivers’ African odyssey. As Barau builds momentum, the question lingers: Can these narratives converge into a title race that captivates the nation?
In the NPFL’s whirlwind of triumphs and trials, Enyimba’s firm stance restores some calm, Barau’s grit signals a bright debut, and Rivers United’s Egyptian voyage could etch new chapters in Nigerian football lore. With weekend fixtures looming and continental spotlights intensifying, the league’s heartbeat quickens—reminding us why the Beautiful Game here is anything but ordinary.