The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed a pivotal weekend as Enugu Rangers solidified their top-three status, Remo Stars maintained their grip on first place, and the relegation scrap grew increasingly desperate for struggling Akwa United and Lobi Stars.
Key Results Shake Up the Table
On Saturday, Enugu Rangers delivered a statement performance, thrashing Kwara United 3-0 to climb to third place with 45 points. Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes edged Kaduna United 1-0 in a tense clash. On Sunday, league leaders Remo Stars bolstered their title credentials with a crucial 1-0 win over Heartland, extending their lead to 54 points. Rivers United, however, missed a chance to close the gap after being held to a goalless draw by El Kanemi Warriors, leaving them second with 46 points.
In a shock result, 19th-placed Akwa United stunned fifth-ranked Shooting Stars 2-1, injecting life into their survival hopes. At the bottom, Lobi Stars’ woes deepened with a 2-0 loss to Bayelsa United, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table with just 23 points.
Top Five: Title and Continental Dreams Alive
- Remo Stars(54 pts) remain favorites for the title, but face stiff competition from Rivers United (46 pts), whose defensive solidity has kept them in contention.
- Enugu Rangers (45 pts) are surging at the right time, while Ikorodu City(44 pts) and
3. Shooting Stars (43 pts) round out a fiercely competitive top five, all vying for CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup spots.
Relegation Zone: Desperation Mounts
The battle to avoid the drop intensified:
Sunshine Stars (32 pts, 18th) and Nasarawa United (32 pts, 17th) remain perilously close to the danger zone.
Akwa United’s shock win (now 28 pts) offers a lifeline, but Lobi Stars(23 pts) look doomed unless they stage a miraculous turnaround.
Monday’s Clash: Sunshine Seek Survival Boost
All eyes now turn to Monday’s fixture, where 18th-placed Sunshine Stars host Plateau United. A win could lift Sunshine out of the relegation places, adding pressure to Nasarawa United and Heartland.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
Quotes of the Weekend
“This win against Shooting Stars is just the start. We’re fighting to survive, and the belief is back.” — Akwa United Manager.
“Remo Stars won’t relent. Every match is a final now.” — Remo Stars Captain.
Ikorodu City vs Enyimba(Sunday): A top-four clash with continental implications.
Bayelsa Utd vs Lobi Stars: Lobi’s last chance to spark a revival.
Abia Warriors vs Bendel: Mid-table sides aiming to disrupt
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