Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a whirlwind of action, reshaping the battle for continental qualification and survival. Enyimba rekindled their continental aspirations with a 2-1 victory over rivals Rangers International, their goals coming from Gabriel Innocent and Ekene Awazie. This win propelled them to fifth place, just a single point behind Ikorodu City in the race for the coveted third spot and a ticket to the continent.
Ikorodu City, however, faltered, losing 2-1 to Akwa United. Despite taking an early lead through Wisdom Ubani, Akwa United mounted a comeback with goals from Uche Sabastine and Kabir Osoba. This defeat dealt a significant blow to Ikorodu City’s hopes of securing continental football, opening the door for other contenders.
Taking full advantage of Ikorodu City’s stumble, Abia Warriors solidified their grip on the CAF Confederation Cup ticket with a convincing 3-1 victory over Shooting Stars. Goals from Ojonugwa Adejoh, Antoine Ijoma, and Sunday Mgwo secured the win, propelling Abia Warriors to 56 points and putting them within striking distance of second-placed Rivers United, who they now trail by just two points.
At the top of the table, Remo Stars edged closer to a historic first NPFL title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes, courtesy of a late goal from Olamilekan Adedayo. Their 68-point tally puts them firmly in the driver’s seat. Although Rivers United’s 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars eliminated them from the title race, they remain in a strong position to clinch the second CAF Champions League spot.
The relegation battle intensified with several crucial results. Sunshine Stars boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win against Katsina United, thanks to a brace from Waheed Adebayo. However, they remain precariously positioned, tied on points with 18th-placed Akwa United but trailing on goal difference. Akwa United’s victory over Ikorodu City also provided a lifeline in their own relegation fight.
Nasarawa United eased their relegation concerns with a 1-0 victory over Heartland, the solitary goal coming from league top scorer Anas Yusuf. This win lifts Nasarawa United to 46 points, creating some breathing room. Heartland, however, remain in dire straits, needing a near-miracle to avoid the drop. Bayelsa United secured a crucial 2-1 win against El-Kanemi Warriors, boosting their position to ninth. El-Kanemi Warriors, though not mathematically relegated, remain vulnerable and face a daunting task against champions-elect Remo Stars in their next fixture.
Mid-table teams Kwara United and Plateau United also registered victories. Kwara United delivered a commanding 4-0 thrashing of struggling Lobi Stars, with goals from Wasiu Alalade, a brace from Junior Aimufua, and Issa Gata. This heavy defeat marked Lobi Stars’ 20th loss of the season, a record low for a former league champion. Plateau United’s victory further solidifies their mid-table standing, although they are out of contention for continental football. The matchday’s results set up a thrilling finale to the NPFL season, with the battles for continental qualification and survival set to go down to the wire.
