Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a mix of drama at both ends of the table, as title contenders jostled for supremacy and struggling sides fought desperately for survival.
Eight-time champions Enugu Rangers climbed to the top of the standings following a goalless draw at home against Barau FC on Sunday. While it wasn’t the most convincing performance, the point was enough to see Rangers move level on 55 points with Rivers United, edging ahead on goal difference.
Rivers United, however, suffered a significant setback in their title push, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Warri Wolves in Ozoro. The hosts took an early lead when Igbunu Evwierhurhoma converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Othuke Egbo sealed the victory in dramatic fashion, netting the second goal right at the stroke of full time.
At the other end of the table, the relegation battle intensified. Defending champions Remo Stars secured a vital 1-0 win over South-West rivals Shooting Stars (3SC) in Ikenne. Samuel Anaekwe proved to be the difference-maker, scoring shortly after the break in the 49th minute. The result marked Remo Stars’ 12th win of the campaign and lifted them to 17th place with 40 points. Despite the victory, they remain in the relegation zone on goal difference, with five crucial matches still to play.
Kwara United also boosted their survival hopes with an emphatic 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Goals from Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed, and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam powered the Harmony Boys to 18th place with 39 points, keeping them firmly in the fight to avoid the drop.
In a surprising result, bottom-placed Kun Khalifat pulled off a narrow 1-0 away win against Nasarawa United. Stanley Otu emerged as the hero, scoring deep into stoppage time to secure all three points. However, despite the victory, Kun Khalifat remain four points away from safety.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars delivered the standout performance of the day, thrashing Bendel Insurance 4-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu, and Bernard Ovoke all found the back of the net in a dominant display.
Elsewhere, Katsina United edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with Elijah Akanni scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute.
With just five matches left in the season, the race for the title and the battle to avoid relegation are both finely poised, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the campaign.
