AFCON 2025
The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another turn on Sunday as defending Remo Stars capitalized on a Nasarawa United red card to grab all three points.
With league leaders Rivers United not in action until Monday, the “Flying Antelopes” had a golden opportunity to leapfrog their rivals. However, a resilient Kwara United defense fighting for their own top-flight survival held firm, leaving Rangers on 51 points, one adrift of the top spot.
High Stakes in Ibadan and Aba
The match of the day lived up to its billing at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where Shooting Stars (3SC) edged Wikki Tourists 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. The victory propels the “Oluyole Warriors” to 47 points, firmly cementing their status as genuine contenders for a continental ticket.
In Aba, Enyimba FC reminded the league of their pedigree with a commanding 2–0 victory over Plateau United. The “People’s Elephant” moved to 36 points, a result that provides much-needed breathing room from the congested lower half of the table, while denting Plateau United’s hopes of a top-three finish.
The Relegation Dogfight Intensifies
At the bottom of the log, the battle for survival reached a boiling point. Remo Stars secured a vital 2–1 win over Nasarawa United in Ikenne. Despite the three points, the “Sky Blue Stars” remain in the drop zone with 33 points, though they are now tied with Kwara United, trailing only on goal difference.
The pressure mounted further for newcomers Kun Khalifat FC, whose 2–1 defeat at the hands of Bendel Insurance left them rooted to the base of the table with 32 points. With only eight games remaining, the margin for error has effectively evaporated for the Owerri-based side.
In Minna, the highly anticipated “Northern Derby” between Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars ended in a tactical 0–0 stalemate. While the point keeps both sides at mid-table safety with 36 points apiece, the lack of clinical finishing will be a concern for Pillars’ fans as they look to finish the season strongly.
All eyes now shift to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday, where league leaders Rivers United (52 points) face Ikorodu City. A win for the “Pride of Rivers” would extend their lead to four points, putting them in the driver’s seat as the season enters its final stretch.
