NPFL: Ikorodu City take the lead as Rangers hold Abia in oriental derby
Ikorodu City have climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after a convincing 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes yesterday, although the Lagos side have played four games
Ikorodu City have climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League after a convincing 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes yesterday, although the Lagos side have played four games more than closest rivals Rivers United.
The Oga Boys saw off the Ikon Allah Boys at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos thanks to a brace from Joseph Arumala, who converted from the spot in the 33rd minute before sealing the win late on in the 88th minute. The victory takes Ikorodu City to 41 points, level with Rivers United but top on goal difference. Rivers United, however, have four games in hand.
Nasarawa United missed the chance to move to the top after being held to a 1–1 draw by Bayelsa United in Lafia. Victor John put the Solid Miners ahead as early as the 7th minute, but Energy Otunuya drew Bayelsa level in the 37th minute. The result leaves Nasarawa United on 41 points from 25 games, dropping from second to third place.
In Aba, Abia Warriors’ struggles at home continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Rangers International FC in the latest Oriental derby. The Umuchineke Boys dropped to fifth place with 39 points, denting their top-three ambitions, while Rangers remain fourth on 40 points.
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Bendel Insurance strengthened their push for a top-three finish with a solid 2–0 win over Enyimba in Benin City. Goals at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium lifted the Benin Arsenal to sixth place with 37 points, while the People’s Elephant slipped to 13th on 31 points.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Kun Khalifat recorded back-to-back home wins for the first time in recent weeks with a 2–0 success over Shooting Stars. James Ekebuike opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Blessed Iyamu added the second shortly after the break in the 47th minute. Despite the win, Kun Khalifat remain bottom in 20th place with 25 points, while Shooting Stars dropped to seventh with 35 points.
Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 1–0 win over Remo Stars in Kano. Luis Dadong struck the decisive goal in the 57th minute. Sai Masu Gida now sit 17th with 28 points, while Remo Stars’ miserable run continues as they remain 19th with 26 points after their 15th defeat of the season.
In Ozoro, El-Kanemi Warriors absorbed sustained pressure from Warri Wolves to earn a hard-fought goalless draw. El-Kanemi move up to eighth place with 35 points, while the Seasiders are 10th on 34 points.
Drama unfolded in Bauchi as Wikki Tourists and Katsina United played out a thrilling 3–3 draw before the match was halted in the 78th minute. Jonathan Mairiga (5’), Jibrin Nasiru (27’, pen) and Ibrahim Shuaibu (53’) scored for Wikki, while Uche Collins struck three times including goals in the 20th and 35th minutes for Katsina United. The game was stopped following crowd trouble and will resume today to complete the remaining minutes and stoppage time.
In Jos, Plateau United snatched a vital North-Central derby win with a late goal against Kwara United. Sadiq Yusuf struck in the 88th minute to secure a 1–0 victory. Plateau United are now 12th with 33 points, while Kwara United remain in the relegation zone in 18th place with 27 points, having played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Mustapha Salisu was sent off.
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NPFL Matchday 25 Results
Kano Pillars 1–0 Remo Stars
Abia Warriors 0–0 Rangers
Plateau United 1–0 Kwara United
Ikorodu City 2–0 Niger Tornadoes
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Warri Wolves 0–0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Kun Khalifat 2–0 Shooting Stars
Nasarawa United 1–1 Bayelsa United
Wikki Tourists 3–3 Katsina United (stopped at 78th mins)
