Remo Stars Reclaim Top Spot in Thrilling NPFL Matchday 18 Action
Matchday 18 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed a dramatic shift in the standings as Remo Stars returned to the summit with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United. The Sky Blue Stars, playing on their home turf at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, found the breakthrough late in the game, with Jabbar Malik netting a brace in the 84th and 88th minutes. This crucial win propelled Remo Stars to 33 points, matching Rivers United’s tally but edging them out on goal difference. The victory underscores Remo Stars’ title ambitions, demonstrating their resilience and ability to secure vital points even when the going gets tough.
Rivers United, the previous league leaders, stumbled in their encounter against Nasarawa United, settling for a 1-1 draw. Despite falling behind to a 14th-minute goal by Joshua John, Rivers United managed to salvage a point courtesy of Kabiru Abdullahi’s penalty kick in the 50th minute. This draw saw them relinquish their top spot to Remo Stars, highlighting the intensely competitive nature of the NPFL race. The dropped points serve as a reminder that every match is a battle and maintaining consistency is paramount in the quest for the coveted title.
The weekend’s most surprising result unfolded in Enugu, where traditional powerhouses Rangers International suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. Ikouwem Udo’s 28th-minute strike proved to be the decisive blow, securing a valuable away victory for 3SC and propelling them to third place in the standings. The Oluyole Warriors’ triumph over Rangers showcases the unpredictability of the league, where any team can upset the established order on a given day.
Other Matchday 18 encounters saw Abia Warriors register a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ikorodu City, while Kwara United edged out Katsina United with a narrow 1-0 win. These results emphasize the competitive balance within the league, where even seemingly mismatched fixtures can produce closely contested affairs. The victories for Abia Warriors and Kwara United highlight the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of home advantage.
Saturday’s fixtures witnessed Bendel Insurance maintaining their impressive form with a 1-0 win against Lobi Stars, while Kano Pillars secured a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes. Sunshine Stars also added to El-Kanemi Warriors’ woes with a 1-0 triumph in Ikenne. These results further underscore the unpredictable nature of the NPFL, where teams are constantly striving to gain an edge and improve their standing in the league table.
With two Matchday 18 fixtures remaining, Akwa United are set to host Heartland FC, while Plateau United will face Enyimba International in a highly anticipated clash. These matches promise to be crucial in shaping the league table as the first round approaches its conclusion. As the NPFL enters its final stages, the competition is expected to intensify, with every team vying for valuable points and a strong finish to the first half of the season. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining the trajectory of each team’s campaign and setting the stage for an exciting second round.
The NPFL’s first round will culminate on December 29th with Matchday 19 fixtures. As the halfway point of the season nears, the competition is set to reach fever pitch, with teams battling for crucial points and jostling for positions in the league table. The first round’s conclusion will provide a clearer picture of the title contenders and the teams facing a relegation battle. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in shaping the league’s landscape and setting the stage for a thrilling second half of the season.
