The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed dramatic twists on Matchday 29, with Remo Stars tightening their grip on the title race while the battle to avoid relegation grew fiercer. Here’s a breakdown of the key headlines:
Remo Stars Charge Closer to Glory
League leaders Remo Stars continued their relentless pursuit of the title with a commanding 2-0 victory over struggling Heartland. The win extends their lead at the summit to 57 points, eight points clear of second-placed Rivers United. With just nine matches remaining, Remo Stars are in pole position to clinch their maiden NPFL crown, showcasing consistency with six wins in their last seven games.
Top-Four Scramble Heats Up
Behind the top two, the race for continental spots intensified:
Rivers United kept their faint title hopes alive with a gritty 2-1 comeback win against El Kanemi Warriors. The victory solidifies their second-place standing (49 points), but the eight-point gap to Remo Stars leaves little room for error. Rivers’ depth and experience, however, make them a threat should the leaders falter.
Enugu Rangers surged to third place (45 points) after dismantling Kwara United 3-0, signaling their resurgence under new management.
Ikorodu City held defending champions Enyimba to a thrilling 2-2 draw, retaining fourth place (45 points) on goal difference.
Abia Warriors (44 points) edged into fifth after a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance, keeping their continental dreams alive.
Enyimba’s failure to win in Ikorodu leaves the Elephants outside the top five, complicating their quest for back-to-back titles.
Relegation Zone Drama
At the bottom, the fight for survival took center stage:
Sunshine Stars (18th, 32 points) face a must-win clash against Plateau United on March 17. A loss could leave them six points adrift of safety.
Akwa United (19th, 31 points) reignited hope with a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars, climbing closer to escaping the drop zone.
Heartland (16th, 34 points) and Nasarawa United (17th, 33 points) suffered damaging defeats, leaving them vulnerable.
Lobi Stars remain rooted to the bottom (20th, 23 points) after a 1-0 loss to Bayelsa United, all but confirming their relegation.
What’s Next?
All eyes turn to Sunshine Stars’ clash with Plateau United, which could reshape the relegation picture. Meanwhile, Remo Stars face a tricky test against Rivers United on Matchday 30—a potential title decider.
As the season enters its final stretch, the NPFL promises more fireworks, with glory, heartbreak, and survival hanging in the balance.
