Doma United made it three wins from three while Sporting Lagos routed Inter Lagos in the Lagos derby, headlining a dramatic NPFL Matchday 3.
NPFL Matchday 3 delivered goals, drama and a bit of controversy across the weekend. Doma United kept their perfect start intact, Sporting Lagos put four past their local rivals, and Bendel Insurance survived a six-goal thriller to stay in touch at the top. Here’s every NPFL Matchday 3 result and what it means for the table.
As a result, three teams — Doma United, Bendel Insurance and Sporting Lagos — now sit on maximum or near-maximum points after three rounds, while sides like Katsina United and Inter Lagos face an early fight to steady themselves.
Doma United’s 2-0 win over Enyimba means the newly-promoted side have taken maximum points from their opening three matches — arguably the standout story of the young NPFL season. Doma United’s Team Hub profile has more on the club’s rise through the Nigerian football pyramid.
For Enyimba, meanwhile, it’s a second defeat in three games — an uncomfortable start for one of the league’s most storied clubs.
The Lagos derby wasn’t close. Sporting Lagos put three past Inter Lagos without reply, a result that will have turned heads given how tight most NPFL derbies tend to be. It’s an emphatic early statement from a club still finding its feet in the top flight — check the Sporting Lagos Team Hub for background on the squad.
Inter Lagos, by contrast, now need a response fast. Two defeats from three matches is a shaky platform, especially with a derby loss attached to it.
Bendel Insurance raced into a 3-0 lead against Kun Khalifat through Alex Oweilayefa, Suraju Lawal and Chinedu Nwosu, only for the visitors to claw back twice through a penalty and a late strike. Nwosu’s second goal in between proved decisive as Insurance held on for a 4-2 win. It’s the kind of result that will please the Bendel Insurance faithful more for the three points than the manner of the victory.
Kwara United were comfortable 3-0 winners over Katsina United, with Ali Ferinyaro, Tosin Olawale and Issa Gata all finding the net. It’s a result that keeps Kwara United firmly in the early mix.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Ikorodu City — a point that, on another day, could easily have been three or none for either side given how the match swung.
Doma United’s perfect record now puts real pressure on the league’s more established names to respond. However, it’s still early — NPFL title races historically swing hard between September and the winter break, and three matchdays rarely tell the full story.
Matchday 4 is scheduled for 19-20 September, giving sides like Enyimba, Katsina United and Inter Lagos a quick chance to bounce back before the gap to the early pace-setters grows uncomfortable.
Who won on NPFL Matchday 3?
Doma United, Kwara United, Bendel Insurance, Barau FC and Sporting Lagos all won their Matchday 3 fixtures. Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City drew 2-2, while Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United shared a point after their match was suspended for rain and completed on the Monday.
Which NPFL team has a perfect record after three matchdays?
Doma United are the only side with three wins from three after beating Enyimba 2-0 on Matchday 3.
When is NPFL Matchday 4?
NPFL Matchday 4 is scheduled for 19-20 September 2026.
For the full build-up to these fixtures, see our NPFL Matchday 3 fixtures preview, and for newcomers to the league, our beginner’s guide to the NPFL explains how the competition works.
18+. Bet responsibly and only with what you can afford to lose.
⚡ Back today’s picks: 22Bet — 100% up to ₦207,500. Read our 22Bet review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
