The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed a flurry of action over the weekend, with Shooting Stars solidifying their position as title contenders, while Remo Stars and Rivers United maintained their tight grip at the top of the table. Shooting Stars secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against reigning champions Rangers International, their second away win of the season. Ikouwem Utin’s 27th-minute goal proved to be the decider, propelling Shooting Stars to third place with 30 points after 18 games. This win marked their fourth victory in five games and seventh in their last ten, showcasing their remarkable turnaround after a slow start to the season. They now trail the joint leaders, Remo Stars and Rivers United, by a mere three points.
Remo Stars, under the interim leadership of Sulaimon Kamil in the absence of Daniel Ogunmodede, preserved their slender lead at the summit with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Bayelsa United. The game appeared destined for a stalemate until Malik Jabbar emerged as the hero for the Sky Blue Stars, scoring two quick-fire goals in the 84th and 88th minutes to secure all three points. Remo Stars’ superior goal difference gives them the edge over Rivers United, who settled for a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia. Joshua John’s early goal for the hosts was cancelled out by Kabiru Abdullah’s second-half penalty for Finidi George’s side.
Rivers United, despite the draw, remain level on points with Remo Stars, showcasing the intense competition at the top of the NPFL table. The two teams have established a slight gap over the chasing pack, highlighting their consistent performances throughout the season. The title race promises to be a thrilling affair as the season progresses, with Shooting Stars emerging as a serious challenger to the current frontrunners. Other teams in the league will undoubtedly be aiming to disrupt the status quo and stake their claim for a top spot.
Elsewhere in the league, Abia Warriors enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ikorodu City, with Super Eagles B returnee Sunday Megwo getting on the scoresheet. This win will boost Abia Warriors’ confidence as they look to climb the table and secure a respectable finish in the NPFL. In other results, Bendel Insurance’s 1-0 triumph over Lobi Stars on Saturday saw them escape the relegation zone, leaving Lobi Stars languishing in 18th place. Plateau United and Akwa United, with a game in hand, occupy the 19th and 20th positions respectively, facing a battle against relegation in the coming weeks.
The NPFL continues to deliver exciting and unpredictable results, with the top of the table remaining tightly contested. Shooting Stars’ resurgence has added another layer of intrigue to the title race, while the relegation battle at the bottom of the table promises to be just as captivating. As the season unfolds, fans can anticipate more dramatic twists and turns, with each game carrying significant implications for the teams involved. The race for the NPFL title and the fight for survival will undoubtedly continue to enthrall football enthusiasts across the country.
The recent round of matches in the NPFL has further cemented the league’s reputation for delivering exhilarating and competitive football. The close-fought battles at both ends of the table demonstrate the parity among the teams, making for a captivating spectacle for fans. The emergence of Shooting Stars as genuine title contenders has injected a fresh wave of excitement into the league, adding to the drama of an already thrilling season. The coming weeks promise to be decisive in shaping the final standings of the NPFL, with every match holding immense importance for the teams vying for glory or battling to avoid relegation.
