Barau FC have seized control of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings following the conclusion of Matchday 5 action, while Nine-time champions Enyimba saw their early-season slump worsen after suffering a fourth consecutive league defeat.

The Maliya Boys as Barau FC are fondly called maintained their impressive form with a solid 2–0 victory over Abia Warriors, taking their points tally to 11 and extending their unbeaten start to five matches. Joseph Atule broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola put the game beyond reach in the second half to send Barau FC clear at the summit of the 2026/27 campaign.

At the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, the home side’s woes continued as they surrendered a lead twice before falling 3–2 to newly promoted Sporting Lagos.

Stanley Dimgba opened the scoring for the hosts shortly before the break, but Abdullahi Abdulraqeeb leveled for Sporting Lagos six minutes into the second half. Tobi Ige Iyanda restored Enyimba's lead from the penalty spot in the 54th minute, only for Haruna Hadi to draw the visitors level again in the 65th minute. Four minutes later, substitute Daniel Aboh netted the winner to seal a dramatic comeback for Sporting Lagos.

The defeat leaves Enyimba anchored near the bottom without a single point from four matches, adding pressure following earlier losses to Niger Tornadoes, Doma United, and Inter Lagos.

The defending champions, Rangers International kept pace with a late 1–0 home victory over Ranchers Bees, courtesy of a 80th-minute strike from Chidozie Iwundu. The Flying Antelopes sit second with 10 points—one behind Barau FC—with a game in hand.

Doma United slipped to third after throwing away a two-goal cushion against Plateau United in a 2–2 draw. A double from Michael Adegbite had put Doma in complete command, but Plateau United rallied through Gideon Monday and Paul Samson to grab a point.

Bendel Insurance notched their third win of the season in Benin, edging Ikorodu City 2–1. Chinedu Nwosu opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and after Aderemi Adeoye brought the visitors level, Alex Oweilayefa netted an 84th-minute winner.

Shooting Stars made light work of Katsina United with a 2–0 win, propelled by goals from Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke. Katsina United played out the final stages with ten men after Ahmed Kabir Yallilo received a red card.

Kwara United also bagged all three points by beating Nasarawa United 2–1. Sanni Muhammed and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam provided the goals for Kwara, while Jofrank Istifanus scored a late consolation for the Solid Miners.

Kano Pillars missed out on their first away win after Inter Lagos fought back to earn a 1–1 draw. Ubong Friday put Pillars ahead, but Bashir Abdulkarim equalized 15 minutes from time. Elsewhere in Minna, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves battled to a 0–0 stalemate.

Matchday 5 concludes on Thursday when Rivers United host Kun Khalifat FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Matchday 5 Full Results

Barau FC 2–0 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 2–3 Sporting Lagos

Rangers International 1–0 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2–2 Plateau United

Bendel Insurance 2–1 Ikorodu City

Shooting Stars 2–0 Katsina United

Kwara United 2–1 Nasarawa United

Inter Lagos 1–1 Kano Pillars

Niger Tornadoes 0–0 Warri Wolves

Thursday: Rivers United vs. Kun Khalifat FC