This season in the NPFL, no team wields long throw in's better than Bendel Insurance. Three goals in four matches, all from the same unorthodox source long throw-ins.

Their latest trick came in dramatic fashion against Niger Tornadoes. Deep into stoppage time, with the game seemingly drifting towards a stalemate, a long throw created chaos inside the box. Substitute Israel Emmanuel, only minutes after replacing Austin Osayande, reacted quickest to stab home after a flick-on. The 93rd-minute strike sealed a 1–0 victory and sent the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into wild celebrations.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City and Plateau United finally broke their winless runs. The Oga Boys, who impressed last season, needed two second-half goals from substitutes Joseph Arumala and Taiwo Cole to edge Barau FC 2–0 in Lagos, also keeping their third clean sheet of the campaign. Plateau United, meanwhile, stunned reigning champions Remo Stars with a 2–0 victory in Jos. Tarabina Biweribo broke the deadlock before Mafeng Pam sealed it, while Remo’s Stanley Joseph saw red late on.

New boys Kun Khalifat also celebrated their maiden NPFL win, beating Elkanemi Warriors 3–1 in Aba. Ebuka Nwokorie scored twice, either side of Onuorah Onyedika’s effort, while Ebuka Okoro netted the Warriors’ consolation. In Kano, veteran forward Ahmed Musa made the difference as his solitary strike earned Kano Pillars a 1–0 win over Rangers at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

There were slim victories elsewhere, Rivers United edged Shooting Stars 1–0 courtesy of Friday Ubong, Garba Mohammed delivered for Nasarawa United against Wikki Tourists, while Somiari Alalibo’s goal gave Abia Warriors a narrow win over Katsina United. Warri Wolves and Kwara United shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate in Ozoro.

The weekend wrapped up with Enyimba showing their championship credentials. The People’s Elephant struck twice in the final 15 minutes through Chidera Michael and Kalu Nweke to beat Bayelsa United 2–0 in Yenagoa, a result that lifted them top of the table on goal difference. Remarkably, just one point now separates the top six, underscoring the tight, unpredictable nature of this NPFL season.