The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn on Matchday 32 as Rivers United secured a crucial 1-0 victory over title rivals Remo Stars to move within five points of the summit.
In a cagey top-of-the-table showdown that had all the markings of a classic, both sides battled to a stalemate in the opening half, with chances few and far between. However, it was Boluwaji David Sholumade who rose to the occasion for Finidi George’s side, powering home a pinpoint header in the second half after a well-weighted cross from Taiwo Abdulrafiu to seal all three points for the Pride of Rivers.
The result sees Rivers United breathing down Remo Stars’ necks, cutting the gap to just five points and piling pressure on Daniel Ogunmodede’s men, who must now win their midweek game in hand against relegation-threatened Lobi Stars to regain a comfortable lead at the top.
#RIVREM | #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/xbcZgZ1Hvc
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) April 6, 2025Elsewhere Across the Grounds:
Enyimba Climb with Aba Derby Win:
In the Aba Derby, Enyimba fought from behind to defeat Abia Warriors 2-1. Ijoma Antoine stunned the home crowd with an early opener for the visitors, but Kalu Nweke restored parity in the 35th minute before Joseph Atule secured all three points with a composed finish in the 86th minute. The win lifts the People’s Elephant into 8th place.
Late Drama in Katsina:
Lukman Bello was the savior for Katsina United, salvaging a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa United in the 77th minute after Abdullahi Rabiu had given the visitors the lead late in the first half.
Stalemates at the Bottom:
Relegation-threatened Lobi Stars battled to a 1-1 draw with Sunshine Stars, with Johnmark Aule cancelling out Ahamdu Liman’s 11th-minute opener. In Benin, Bendel Insurance and Rangers International—last season’s champions—couldn’t be separated in a dull goalless affair.
Tornadoes Strike in Minna:
Niger Tornadoes returned to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over El-Kanemi Warriors, courtesy of goals from Mohammed Hussaini (33’) and Ahmed Family, who converted a 90th-minute penalty to seal the win.
Jos Stalemate:
Plateau United and Kwara United shared the spoils in Jos in a match that ended 0-0, despite plenty of attacking intent from both sides.
Southwest Derby Ends in Stalemate:
Ikorodu City continued their impressive form, holding Shooting Stars to a goalless draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The newcomers proved their recent surge is no fluke with another resolute defensive performance.
Heartland Back to Winning Ways:
Samuel Agu’s brace gave Heartland a much-needed 2-0 win over Kano Pillars in Owerri on Saturday, ending a five-match winless run and giving their survival hopes a timely boost.
