It was another pulsating weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as the title race took a fresh twist with Remo Stars dropping points at home and Rivers United faltering on the road, while drama unfolded across the league in both the relegation and continental qualification battles.
Remo Stars Drop Points, But Remain Top
League leaders Remo Stars were left frustrated in Ikenne after being held to a goalless draw by Katsina United, who had been battered 6-0 just days earlier by Ikorodu City. Despite dominating possession, the Sky Blue Stars couldn’t break down a disciplined Katsina defense, with late drama seeing Samson Olasupo’s goal-bound strike cleared off the line in the 89th minute.The draw keeps Remo Stars atop the table but opens the door for their closest challengers to close the gap.
Rivers United Crumble in Umuahia
Elsewhere, title-chasing Rivers United stumbled in a crucial clash against Abia Warriors, losing 2-0 on the road. Emmanuel Ogbuagu struck in first-half added time, while in-form forward Ijoma Antoine sealed the victory in the 76th minute — a massive blow to Rivers’ title hopes.
Heartland Stun Enugu Rangers in Oriental Derby
At the Cathedral in Enugu, relegation-threatened Heartland FC pulled off one of the shocks of the round, beating Rangers 2-0 in the Oriental Derby. Lawal Suraju and Isaac Nassy were on target, giving the Naze Millionaires a vital lifeline in their survival bid.
Akwa United Held, Relegation Woes Continue
Akwa United’s fight to avoid the drop hit another snag after a 1-1 draw with El-Kanemi Warriors in Uyo. Osoba Kabir gave the Promise Keepers an early lead, but a second-half own goal from Wisdom Ndon meant both sides shared the spoils.
Musa Shines as Kano Pillars Relegate Lobi Stars
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Ahmed Musa rolled back the years with a composed opener in the 55th minute before Naziru Auwalu’s 92nd-minute penalty sealed a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars, who are now condemned to relegation.
Sunshine Stars Edge Enyimba in Thriller
In Ijebu-Ode, Sunshine Stars claimed a crucial 2-1 win over defending champions Enyimba. Arunta Elmer opened the scoring and later missed a penalty, but Waheed Adedayo spared his blushes with the winner before halftime.
Nasarawa Win North Central Derby Thriller
Nasarawa United took the spoils in a five-goal thriller against Plateau United, winning 3-2 in Lafia. Anas Yusuf bagged his 15th goal of the campaign, with Leonard Ugochukwu netting a brace. Plateau’s Vincent Temitope missed a penalty before Samuel Pam added a late consolation.
Cole Fires Ikorodu to Victory Again
In Lagos, Ayomide Cole continued his red-hot form with a brace as Ikorodu City dispatched Niger Tornadoes 3-0, with Shola Adelani also getting on the scoresheet.
Bendel Insurance Shock Kwara United
Bendel Insurance secured a rare away win in Ilorin, edging Kwara United 1-0 courtesy of Kayode Solomon’s 36th-minute strike — a vital result in the race for a top-half finish.
Bayelsa United Hit Three Past Shooting Stars
In Saturday’s action, Bayelsa United delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Shooting Stars, with goals from Ifeanyi Ogba, Magbisa Wisdom, and Kehinde Malik lighting up the weekend’s opener.
From title tensions to relegation scraps, this round of the NPFL served up classic football theatre — with everything still to play for as the season races toward a nail-biting finish.
