It was another pulsating weekend of action in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with drama spilling across stadiums from Ibadan to Port-Harcourt as the title race, continental slots, and survival fight took center stage.
Remo Stars Dig Deep in Derby, Hold Firm at the Top
Remo Stars maintained their grip on the summit of the NPFL table with a gritty 1-0 away win over rivals Shooting Stars in a feisty South West Derby played behind closed doors in Ibadan. Alex Oyowah rose highest to meet Sodiq Ismail’s pinpoint cross in the 30th minute, a header that not only secured three massive points but also matched the club’s all-time highest points tally of 65—a mark set last season. The win marked Remo’s fifth away victory of the campaign, solidifying their seven-point cushion at the top. For Shooting Stars, the defeat sees them slip to eighth, with just one win in their last five.
Rivers United Keep Pressure On
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United left it late but crucially kept their title hopes alive thanks to Abba Suleiman’s 84th-minute strike in a 1-0 win over struggling Sunshine Stars. The result ensures that the race is far from over, with four match-days remaining.
Ikorodu City Frustrate El-Kanemi in Maiduguri
In a game of quick-fire goals, El-Kanemi Warriors were held 1-1 by third-placed Ikorodu City. Solomon Emmanuel opened the scoring for the visitors in the 43rd minute, only for Sama’ila Bello to hit back two minutes later. The draw leaves El-Kanemi teetering above the drop zone with 43 points, while Ikorodu City strengthened their hold on a CAF Confederation Cup spot.
Tornadoes, Bayelsa Share Spoils in Lafia
Niger Tornadoes and Bayelsa United battled to a 1-1 draw at the Lafia City Stadium. Sunday Williams gave Tornadoes the lead from the spot in the 38th minute before Rabiu Abdullahi equalized in the 79th. Tornadoes sit just two points above the relegation zone, while Bayelsa climb to 10th.
Stalemate in Owerri
Heartland FC were unable to break down Kwara United in a cagey 0-0 draw in Owerri. The result does little for Heartland’s survival hopes as they remain in the bottom four, two points behind Kwara.
Plateau Edge Akwa United in Jos
Temitope Vincent’s 22nd-minute strike proved decisive as Plateau United edged Akwa United 1-0 in Jos. The defeat deepens the Promise Keepers’ relegation woes, leaving them stuck in 18th with 38 points.
Enaruna Rescues Point for Bendel Insurance
In Benin, Michael Enaruna scored in the 74th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw for Bendel Insurance against Nasarawa United. Abubakar Garba had earlier fired the visitors ahead in the 42nd. Bendel sit fifth with 50 points, while Nasarawa remain dangerously close to the bottom.
Saturday Spark: Enyimba, Rangers Shine; Katsina Hit Abia for Five
Enyimba secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Kano Pillars, with goals from Joseph Atule and veteran Brown Ideye. Pillars grabbed a late consolation through Naibe Akpesiri after a missed penalty.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers treated fans to a six-goal thriller, dismantling already relegated Lobi Stars 4-2 to keep their continental hopes alive.
But the biggest headline came from Kastina, where Katsina United thrashed Abia Warriors 5-1 in a ruthless show of intent. Early goals from Mubarak Said and Lukman Bello set the tone, with second-half strikes from Nura Abdulbari, another from Bello, and Ahmed Taofeek putting the game beyond reach. The emphatic win lifts Katsina out of the bottom four and serves as a loud response to their recent 6-0 defeat at Ikorodu City.
With just four games left, the NPFL is set for a thrilling conclusion—both at the top and bottom of the table. From Remo Stars’ relentless charge to Katsina’s bold escape act, the stakes have never been higher.
