Matchday 13 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) promises drama across the league, but the most intense showdown will unfold in Benin City, where relegation-threatened Bendel Insurance host Kano Pillars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Both clubs are anchored near the bottom of the table, and today’s clash is about more than three points—it’s a fight for survival, momentum, and confidence. Insurance have gone eight games without a win, last triumphing on September 13 against Niger Tornadoes, while Pillars are winless in five matches since beating Kwara United on October 8.

Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye, still seeking his first win after four matches in charge, has managed three draws and one loss. His counterpart, Mohammed Babaganaru, a two-time league champion with Pillars, has yet to spark a turnaround, making this encounter a potential turning point for both sides.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City host Plateau United in Lagos. Sitting third with 21 points, Ikorodu City aim to continue their fine form after an impressive away victory over Warri Wolves, while Plateau United hope to build on last weekend’s win over Bendel Insurance.

Several other fixtures carry high stakes:

• Kun Khalifat face table-topping Nasarawa United in Owerri, needing a home redemption following Monday’s loss to Rivers United.
• El-Kanemi Warriors host Kwara United in Maiduguri, looking to recover after a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars.
• Niger Tornadoes clash with Katsina United in Minna, both sides seeking stability amid recent disappointing results.
• Barau FC welcome Rangers in Kano in another relegation battle, while Rivers United host Warri Wolves in a South-South derby.
• Bayelsa United play Abia Warriors, and Enyimba face Wikki Tourists in Aba.

Notably, the Southwest derby between Shooting Stars and Remo Stars has been postponed due to stadium unavailability.

With the season’s first third behind them, today’s fixtures could significantly shape the NPFL standings, particularly for clubs fighting to stay clear of the drop zone.

NPFL Matchday 13 Fixtures:

• Bendel Insurance vs Kano Pillars
• Ikorodu City vs Plateau United
• Kun Khalifat vs Nasarawa United
• El-Kanemi Warriors vs Kwara United
• Niger Tornadoes vs Katsina United
• Barau FC vs Rangers
• Rivers United vs Warri Wolves
• Bayelsa United vs Abia Warriors
• Enyimba vs Wikki Tourists
• Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars (Postponed)