Match-day 27 games went down across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over the weekend, as title hopefuls tightened their grip, champions stumbled again, and relegation battles intensified.
Ikorodu City Stay Top Despite Stalemate
Ikorodu City held on to top spot in the NPFL standings, after a 1-1 draw at home against Bayelsa United on Sunday. Bayelsa struck first, with Ettah Ikoi finding the breakthrough 10 minutes before halftime to silence the home crowd. However, Ikorodu responded after the interval, as Olanrewaju Molade restored parity four minutes past the hour mark. Though they couldn’t find a winner, the league leaders did enough to remain at the summit with 45 points.
Remo Stars’ Title Defence in Freefall
The struggles of defending champions Remo Stars continued as they fell 2-1 to Wikki Tourists in Jos.
Playing at the New Jos Stadium — where Wikki are currently banished following fan violence — the hosts made a flying start. Jonathan Mairiga opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and Hassan Musa doubled the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.
Samson Olasupo gave Remo hope with an 82nd-minute strike, but the Sky Blue Stars failed to complete the comeback. The loss leaves them languishing in 20th place with 27 points from 27 matches, a far cry from championship form.
Rangers Extend Unbeaten Run
Enugu Rangers continued their steady form, stretching their unbeaten run to four matches after a goalless draw against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. It was a tightly contested affair, with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
Plateau United Run Riot
There were fireworks at the New Jos Stadium as Plateau United thrashed Shooting Stars 4-1. Shooting Stars drew first blood through Qamar Adegoke in the 12th minute. But Plateau responded emphatically, storming back with goals from Tarabina Biweribo, Harrison Ebah, Vincent Temitope, and Alao Danbani to seal a dominant victory.
Crucial Wins in the Relegation Battle
Relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat FC boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Owerri. Adamu Mohammed and Oghenetega Ebetomame found the net in a result that could prove decisive in the survival race.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars strengthened their bid to avoid the drop with a commanding 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Veteran Rabiu Ali, alongside Luis Dadong and Chiedozie Okorie, got on the scoresheet in an impressive team performance.
Abia Warriors also claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory against struggling Kwara United. Casmir Azubuike’s 29th-minute strike proved decisive, lifting Abia Warriors to fourth place while Kwara United slipped deeper into trouble in 18th, winless in their last four outings.
Barau’s Remarkable Revival
In Ozoro, Barau FC continued their remarkable turnaround with a 0-0 draw against Warri Wolves at the Southern Delta University Stadium. Once entrenched in the relegation zone, the Maliya Boys are now unbeaten in seven matches, climbing to 14th with 34 points. Warri Wolves, meanwhile, sit 11th with 35 points as the mid-table race tightens.
Honours Even in Port Harcourt
It finished all square at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, where Rivers United and Enyimba battled to a 1-1 draw. Abiodun Joseph handed Enyimba the lead in the 28th minute, but Aniekeme Okon restored parity for Rivers United just two minutes before halftime, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.
As the season edges closer to its climax, the title race remains tense, the champions are in deep trouble, and the fight for survival grows fiercer with every passing week. The NPFL continues to deliver drama at every turn.
