The Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered goals, upsets, and significant movement at both ends of the table, as the title race and relegation battle intensified across the country.
Enugu Rangers Go Top After Convincing Home Win
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers produced a commanding performance to defeat Nasarawa United 2-0 on Sunday. Goals from Godwin Obaje and Chidiebere Nwobodo secured all three points for the Flying Antelopes. The victory sends Rangers to the summit of the NPFL table with 47 points from 28 matches. Under the guidance of Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Coal City side remain unbeaten in their last five outings, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders.
Rivers United Slip in South-South Derby
Rivers United surrendered top spot following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a fiercely contested South-South derby. The decisive moment came via an unfortunate own goal from Temple Emekayi. It marked Rivers United’s first league loss in eight matches, a setback that sees them drop to second place as the title race tightens.
Shooting Stars Edge Kano Pillars in Ibadan Thriller
Fans at the Lekan Stadium in Ibadan were treated to an entertaining encounter as Shooting Stars defeated Kano Pillars 2-1. Sodiq Ibrahim opened the scoring around the half-hour mark before Qamar Adegoke doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute. Mustapha Jibrin pulled one back for Kano Pillars late on, but it wasn’t enough to deny the hosts maximum points.
Bendel Insurance Hand Ikorodu City Heavy Defeat
Over in Benin City, Bendel Insurance delivered a statement performance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, thrashing Ikorodu City 4-0. Alex Oweilayefa stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, while Wisdom Udom added the fourth. The emphatic win propels Insurance up to sixth on the log, while Ikorodu City drop to third after suffering their heaviest defeat of the season.
Remo Stars End Winless Run
In Ikenne, Remo Stars finally ended their seven-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Katsina United. Haruna Hadi was the hero, netting both goals as the Sky Blue Stars celebrated a welcome return to winning ways on home soil. Despite the victory, Remo Stars remain in the relegation zone, now sitting 18th with 30 points.
El-Kanemi Warriors Strengthen Continental Push
El-Kanemi Warriors boosted their ambitions with a 2-0 win against Abia Warriors in Maiduguri. Playing at the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, the hosts took control early when Daddy Abdulrahman converted from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. Bashir Musa sealed the victory four minutes from time, ensuring all three points stayed in Maiduguri. The win lifts El-Kanemi to eighth with 41 points from 27 matches, just two points behind fifth-placed Abia Warriors, who have played a game more.
Enyimba Held at Home
Nine-time champions Enyimba were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat in Aba. James Ekebuike gave the visitors the lead shortly before halftime, but Ekenne Awazie struck late to salvage a point for the hosts.
Kwara United Boost Survival Hopes
Kwara United strengthened their fight against relegation with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists. Akeem Akanni’s 15th-minute strike proved decisive. However, despite the crucial victory, Kwara United remain rooted to 20th position with 29 points.
