Sporting Lagos overturned an early deficit to claim their first home victory of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, while Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run ended in a heavy loss to Plateau United.
Quick facts
- Sporting Lagos beat Bendel Insurance after conceding the fastest goal in NPFL history.
- Kayode Oke scored after 18 seconds for Bendel Insurance.
- Plateau United defeated Kano Pillars 4-0 in Jos.
- Enugu Rangers stayed top after eight matchdays on 17 points.
Bendel Insurance made a remarkable start against Sporting Lagos when Kayode Oke headed in after only 18 seconds. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was unable to keep hold of Oke’s first effort, allowing the forward to convert the rebound.
The strike has been confirmed as the quickest goal ever recorded in NPFL history.
Sporting Lagos recovered quickly. Gafar Olaniyan picked out Victor Samuel with an excellent delivery, and Samuel finished beyond Amas Obasogie to level the contest.
Olaniyan then completed the first-half turnaround himself, firing a superb long-range effort into the top corner.
Bendel Insurance pressed for a response after the interval, but could not break through the Sporting Lagos back line. The home side protected their advantage to collect an important win.
Elsewhere, Plateau United emphatically ended Kano Pillars’ undefeated start at the new Jos City Stadium. The hosts ran out 4-0 winners in Jos.
Paul Samson, Dayo Ojo and Samuel Ayanrinde all found the net before Nenrot Silas converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to complete the rout.
Defending champions Enugu Rangers remained first in the standings after Matchday 8, reaching 17 points following a 2-2 draw against Barau FC in Kano.
Ranchers Bees drew with Niger Tornadoes, while Abia Warriors and Rivers United also finished level. Katsina United, Ikorodu City, Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United and Kun Khalifat each won their respective home fixtures.
