It was a day of high drama in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, as Lobi Stars’ relegation was confirmed and Remo Stars took another significant step toward securing their first-ever league title.
At the Mohammed Dikko Stadium, Remo Stars were held to a goalless draw by Katsina United. However, the point was enough to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Sky Blue Stars now sit on 62 points after 33 games, holding a seven-point advantage with just five matches remaining. While the result ended their winning streak, it still moved them closer to a historic league triumph.
Their closest challengers, Rivers United, failed to close the gap, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Abia Warriors. First-half goals from Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Anthony Ijoma handed the Umuahia side a deserved win, putting a major dent in Rivers United’s title aspirations.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Lobi Stars’ long-standing struggles culminated in relegation after a 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars. Second-half goals from Ahmed Musa and a stoppage-time penalty by Naziru Auwalu sealed their fate.
With only 25 points from 33 matches, the Benue side is now mathematically unable to avoid the drop, even with three games left to play. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars climbed to seventh on the log with 47 points, keeping their hopes of a continental ticket alive.
Sunshine Stars secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Enyimba in Akure to keep their survival hopes intact.
Goals from Elmer Arunta and Waheed Adebayo handed the Akure Gunners all three points, despite Christian Nnaji briefly equalizing for the nine-time champions.
Sunshine Stars remain second from bottom but the result provides a much-needed boost in their relegation fight.
In Uyo, Akwa United and El-Kanemi Warriors battled to a 1-1 draw. Osoba Kabir gave the home side an early lead, but a second-half own goal by Wisdom Ndon earned El-Kanemi a share of the spoils.
Heartland FC pulled off the shock of the day, defeating league champions Rangers International 2-0 in the Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Goals from Suraju Lawal and Isaac Nassy secured a memorable victory for the Owerri-based side and brought much-needed relief to coach Emmanuel Amunike.
Bendel Insurance grabbed an impressive away win in Ilorin, edging Kwara United 1-0 in a tight contest.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City continued their remarkable late-season form with a commanding 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes. The Oga Boys have now scored nine goals without reply in their last two games and sit fourth on the table with 52 points.
