Matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered thrilling encounters across various venues, with Remo Stars maintaining their push for a historic league title and Rivers United boosting their continental aspirations.
Remo Stars Stay on Course for Maiden NPFL Title
Remo Stars continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Heartland at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Olamilekan Adedayo broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, giving the Sky Blue Stars a crucial lead. Samson Olasupo sealed the win with a second goal ten minutes from time, ensuring Daniel Ogunmodede’s side remained top of the table with 57 points—eight points clear of second-placed Rivers United.
Rivers United Edge Closer to Continental Football
Rivers United secured a hard-fought 2-1 away win over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, strengthening their chances of securing a continental ticket. Taofeek Otaniyi put the visitors ahead in the 47th minute before Samson Obi doubled their advantage in the 61st minute. Although Risilanu Ismail pulled one back for El-Kanemi in the final minute of regulation time, Rivers United held on to claim their third away win of the season.
Late Drama in Ikorodu vs. Enyimba Thriller
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Ikorodu City and Enyimba played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Tosin Oyedokun gave Ikorodu City the lead just before halftime, but Mojeeb Odufeso equalized for Enyimba in the 66th minute. The visitors took the lead for the first time through Joseph Atule in the 77th minute, only for Ayomide Cole to rescue a point for the hosts with a stoppage-time equalizer.
Akwa United Keep Survival Hopes Alive
Akwa United secured a vital 2-0 win over Shooting Stars in Uyo, boosting their hopes of avoiding relegation. Ebedebiri Endurance opened the scoring in the 61st minute, and Uche Sabastine doubled the advantage just seven minutes later.
Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United Share Spoils
Kano Pillars were held to a 1-1 draw by Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Auwalu Malam put the hosts ahead in the 18th minute, but Idris Ajiya equalized for the visitors in the 68th minute, ensuring both teams walked away with a point.
Abia Warriors, Bayelsa United Secure Narrow Wins
Abia Warriors edged Bendel Insurance 1-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, thanks to a decisive goal from Sunday Megwo. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United also claimed a 1-0 victory over struggling Lobi Stars, with Magbisa Wisdom netting the winner in the 55th minute. Lobi Stars’ struggles continued, as they have now gone 12 games without a win.
Enugu Rangers Return to Winning Ways
Defending champions Enugu Rangers bounced back with a dominant 3-0 win over Kwara United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Saturday. Chiedozie Okorie opened the scoring in the first minute, Isaac Saviour doubled the lead in the 29th minute, and Frank Uwuniro completed the rout in the 62nd minute.
With just a few matches left in the season, the NPFL title race and battle for survival remain intense, promising more excitement in the coming weeks.