Ikorodu City consolidates NPFL with stunning win over Enyimba
League newcomers Ikorodu City have extended their fairytale run atop the league table with a stunning 1-0 victory over nine-time champions Enyimba in Aba while reigning champions, Remo Stars were
League newcomers Ikorodu City have extended their fairytale run atop the league table with a stunning 1-0 victory over nine-time champions Enyimba in Aba while reigning champions, Remo Stars were held to a draw in Akure by Abia Warriors as Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 26 games were played across nine centres yesterday.
The last weekend games delivered drama, late winners and significant shifts at both ends of the table as the title race intensified and the relegation battle tightened. From Aba to Maiduguri, nine fixtures produced 18 goals, with surprise leaders emerging and former giants battling to stay afloat.
Joseph Arumala’s 29th -minute strike proved decisive as the Oga Boys remained at the summit on 44 points and a point clear of second placed Rangers International.
Enyimba’s struggles continued, with just one win in six matches, leaving the People’s Elephant 14th on 31 points—only two points above the relegation zone.
Defending champions Remo Stars remain in deep trouble after being held 1-1 by ambitious Abia Warriors at the Ondo Sports Complex in Akure.
Chukwuemeka Obioma fired the visitors ahead in the 54th minute before Samson Olasupo rescued a point for Remo Stars in the 78th minute. The draw keeps Abia Warriors fifth with 40 points, still within continental contention, while Remo Stars languish in 19th with 27 points.
At the Cathedral in Enugu, Rangers boosted their title credentials with a 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists. Goals from Wisdom Ebirim and veteran striker Godwin Obaje in the 18th and 33rd minutes sealed the victory, lifting Rangers to second on 43 points. Wikki remain 16th with 29 points, hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.
Kwara United were pegged back late by Kano Pillars in a tense 1-1 draw. Johnmark Aule gave the hosts an early lead in the 10th minute before Luis Dadong equalised in the 79th minute.
Kwara sit 18th with 28 points, while Pillars are 17th with 29 points.
It was a six-goal thriller as Shooting Stars completed a double over Warri Wolves at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta-their new home ground until the NPFL says otherwise.
Sodiq Ibrahim (11’), Lucky Emmanuel (29’), Desmond Ojietefian (38’) and Stephen Amos (69’) scored for 3SC, while Peter Ita (7’) and Othuke Egbo (86’) replied for Wolves. The Oluyole Warriors are seventh with 38 points while the Seasiders are in 11th spot with 34 points.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United could not find a way past a plucky Bendel Insurance in their first game on their return to the Samson Siasia Stadium. The game ended goalless with Bayelsa United dropping to the 15th spot with 30 points while Bendel Insurance remain in sixth spot with 38 points.
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Katsina United followed up their exciting 4-4 thrilling draw in Bauchi to Wikki Tourists with a 1-0 home win over Nasarawa United through a late strike which has sent them to the ninth spot with 37 points while the Solid Miners are in fourth spot with 41 points. The goal was scored by Usman Bulama in the 82nd minute.
In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors also needed a late goal through Boubacar Massaly in the 81st minute to end Plateau United's six game Unbeaten run painfully at the El Kanemi Sports Complex. The win has moved the Borno Army to the eighth spot with 38 points while the Peace Boys are in 13th spot with 33 points.
NPFL: Matchday 26 Results
Rangers 2-0 Wikki Tourists
Remo Stars 1-1 Abia Warriors
Kwara United 1-1 Kano Pillars
Shooting Stars 4-2 Warri Wolves
Enyimba 0-1 Ikorodu City
Bayelsa United 0-0 Insurance
Katsina United 1-0 Nasarawa United
El Kanemi 1-0 Plateau United
Barau FC 1-0 Kun Khalifat
