AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 29 delivered a Sunday of drama, marked by a goal fest in Enugu and a nearly clean sweep for home teams across the country.
The headline match took place at the Cathedral, where league heavyweights Rangers International dismantled Remo Stars in a -1 rout.
The Flying Antelopes’ clinical finishing left the Sky Blue Stars searching for answers and solidified Rangers’ reputation as the league’s most clinical home side this season.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United led by Coach Finidi George continued their resurgence with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bendel Insurance.
Despite a spirited effort from the Benin Arsenals, the Pride of Rivers utilized their numerical advantage in midfield to dictate the tempo and secure all three points.
Meanwhile, Plateau United made light work of Niger Tornadoes in Jos, coasting to a 3-0 win. The victory keeps the Peace Boys firmly in the hunt for continental spots, while Tornadoes return to Minna reflecting on a defensive performance that crumbled under pressure.
Away Day Blues
It was a difficult afternoon for the league’s traditional powerhouses on the road. Enyimba FC fell 2-1 to a gritty Warri Wolvesside in a closely contested battle at the Delta State metropolis.
Similarly, Shooting Stars’ travel woes continued as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Abia Warriors in Umuahia.
The only “spoiler” of the day came in Katsina, where Kwara United pulled off the weekend’s biggest surprise. The Harmony Boys secured a vital 2-1 away win against Katsina United, picking up three crucial points that could prove decisive in the final standings.
Tight Margins
The day was rounded off by a series of narrow 1-0 victories. Kano Pillars edged out Barau FC in a tense Northern derby, while Nasarawa United and Kun Khalifat secured identical slim wins over Ikorodu City and Bayelsa United, respectively.
After Match day 29, Remo Stars sits last on the table with 30 points and fears being relegated even as defending champions, while Rivers United despite playing only 27 games tops the table with 52 points, Enyimba international drops into the relegation zone seated 17th on the table.
