Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed weekend, with significant movements at both ends of the table.
Remo Stars Maintain Lead Despite Draw
League leaders Remo Stars held onto top spot after a goalless draw against Katsina United in Ikenne. Though they couldn’t find a breakthrough, Daniel Ogunmodede’s men now sit on 62 points from 33 matches, keeping their title ambitions on track.
Rivers United Slip Up
Rivers United missed a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top, suffering a 2-0 away loss to Abia Warriors. Goals from Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Anthony Ijoma sealed the win for the Umuahia side, dealing a blow to Rivers’ title hopes.
Bayelsa United on Fire
Bayelsa United continued their impressive form with a commanding 3-0 win over Shooting Stars in Yenagoa. Ogba Ifeanyi opened the scoring, Magbisa Wisdom added a second, and Kehinde Lawal wrapped it up just after the restart. The win stretches Bayelsa’s unbeaten run to seven matches, while Shooting Stars drop to sixth with 48 points.
Lobi Stars Relegated
Lobi Stars became the first casualty of the season, officially relegated following a 2-0 defeat to Kano Pillars. Super Eagles veteran Ahmed Musa opened the scoring, with Naziru Auwalu sealing the result from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Sunshine Stars Fight for Survival
Sunshine Stars boosted their chances of staying up with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Enyimba. Elmer Arunta scored early, Christian Nnaji equalized for Enyimba, but Waheed Adebayo’s 41st-minute strike secured the vital three points for the hosts.
Akwa United, El-Kanemi Warriors Share Spoils
In Uyo, Akwa United were held to a 1-1 draw by El-Kanemi Warriors. Osoba Kabir put the home side ahead, but an unfortunate own goal by Wisdom Ndon ensured the points were shared.
Heartland Stun Rangers in Oriental Derby
Heartland kept their survival hopes alive with a shock 2-0 win over defending champions Enugu Rangers. Suraju Lawal opened the scoring, and Isaac Nassy doubled the lead early in the second half, lifting the Naze Millionaires out of the drop zone.
Ikorodu City Hit Goal Milestone
Ikorodu City made headlines with a 3-0 demolition of Niger Tornadoes, becoming the first NPFL team to score 50 goals this season.
Nasarawa United Edge Plateau United
The North Central derby was a thriller, with Nasarawa United emerging 3-2 winners over Plateau United in a tightly contested match.
With just five rounds to go, the NPFL title race, continental spots, and relegation battles are heating up. Stay tuned.
