Matchday 26 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced thrilling encounters, crucial victories, and major shifts in the standings as the title race and relegation battle continue to intensify.
Ikorodu City Claim Summit Spot
Ikorodu City climbed to the top of the NPFL table with 44 points after securing a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Enyimba in Aba. The decisive moment came just before the half-hour mark when Joseph Arumala found the back of the net, sealing a vital three points on the road. The narrow win was enough to send Ikorodu City to the summit as the title race tightens.
Shooting Stars Edge Six-Goal Thriller
It was raining goals at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, where Shooting Stars defeated Warri Wolves 4-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend. Sodiq Ibrahim, Lucky Emmanuel, Desmond Ojietefian, and Stephen Amos all got on the scoresheet for the Oluyole Warriors, while Peter Ita and Othuke Egbo replied for Warri Wolves. The victory moves Shooting Stars to seventh on the table with 38 points from 25 matches.
Rangers Continue Solid Run
Enugu Rangers maintained their impressive form with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Wisdom Ebirim opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Godwin Obaje doubled the advantage shortly after the half-hour mark. The Flying Antelopes are now unbeaten in their last three matches and have not conceded a goal during that stretch.
Remo Stars’ Struggles Continue
Defending champions Remo Stars remain trapped in the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors in Akure. Chukwuemeka Obioma gave Abia Warriors the lead early in the second half, but Samson Olasupo rescued a point for Remo Stars with 12 minutes left on the clock. However, the champions are now without a win in their last six league games and sit 19th on the table.
Late Drama in Katsina
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United claimed a late 1-0 win over Nasarawa United thanks to Boubacar Massaly’s goal nine minutes from time. Despite the defeat, Nasarawa United remain third on the log, though they are now winless in four matches.
Stalemates in Yenagoa and Ilorin
Bayelsa United and Bendel Insurance played out a goalless draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Meanwhile, Kwara United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Johnmark Aule put Kwara United ahead in the 10th minute before Luis Dadong equalised late on for the visitors.
Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Plateau United to round off the matchday action.
Full Matchday 26 Results
• Rangers 2-0 Wikki
• Remo Stars 1-1 Abia Warriors
• Kwara United 1-1 Kano Pillars
• Shooting Stars 4-2 Warri Wolves
• Enyimba 0-1 Ikorodu City
• Bayelsa United 0-0 Bendel Insurance
• Katsina United 1-0 Nasarawa United
• El-Kanemi 1-0 Plateau United
