Remo Stars have strengthened their position at the top of the NPFL table, opening up a 10-point gap following a hard-fought 2-0 win over Kwara United at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
With Shooting Stars dropping points at home against Lobi Stars, the Sky Blue Stars seized the opportunity, knowing a win would bring them closer to a historic league title after finishing as runners-up and third place in previous seasons.
Kwara United put up a strong resistance, but the breakthrough came in the 80th minute through Samuel Anakwe. The hosts doubled their advantage before the final whistle to seal an important victory.
Remo Stars now sit comfortably atop the league with 51 points, while Shooting Stars remain second with 41 points.
Enyimba Fall to Katsina United
Enyimba failed to build on their recent 1-0 victory over Rivers United, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Lukman Bello put Katsina ahead in the 40th minute and doubled their lead in the 52nd minute. Enyimba pulled one back through Ekene Awazie’s penalty in stoppage time, but it was not enough to salvage a point.
Shooting Stars Drop More Points
Shooting Stars’ title chase suffered another setback after a 2-2 home draw against Lobi Stars. The Oluyole Warriors had previously gone on an eight-match unbeaten run but have since struggled, losing to Kwara United and Heartland before this latest draw.
Joshua Akpan and Sodiq Ibrahim scored for the hosts in the 18th and 92nd minutes, while Ossy Martins netted a brace for Lobi Stars in the 35th and 45th minutes. Martins was later sent off in the 76th minute, but Lobi Stars held on to secure a point.
Ikorodu City Stun Plateau United
Ikorodu City came from behind to defeat Plateau United 2-1 in Lagos. Albert Hilary gave Plateau the lead in the 38th minute, but Olatunji Abdulmalik and Tosin Oyedokun struck late to complete the turnaround. Ikorodu City now occupy fifth place with 38 points, while Plateau United sit in 16th with 28 points.
Bendel Insurance, El Kanemi Share Spoils
Bendel Insurance held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri. El Kanemi remain in eighth place with 36 points, while Insurance are 10th with 35 points.
Abia Warriors Edge Rangers
Abia Warriors continued their fine form with a 1-0 win over Rangers. Antoine Ijoma’s 43rd-minute strike sealed the victory, lifting the team to fourth place with 39 points. Rangers dropped to sixth despite having 38 points.
Akwa United Held by Rivers United
Akwa United’s struggles persisted as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Rivers United. The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute with a goal directly from a corner kick, but Rivers United equalized through Abson Mare in the 52nd minute.
Bayelsa United Salvage Late Draw
Bayelsa United needed a late goal to secure a 2-2 home draw against Nasarawa United, while Heartland suffered a 2-1 defeat in Minna after squandering a second-half lead.
Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars End Level
Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars played out a 1-1 draw in Ikenne, with both sides unable to find a winner.
