The South-West derby lived up to its billing on Sunday as Remo Stars secured a vital 1-0 victory over rivals Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The Matchday 28 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) saw the Sky Blue Stars secure three crucial points, effectively pulling themselves out of the relegation zone.
The decisive moment arrived in the 49th minute when Samuel Anakwe broke the deadlock with a well-placed strike. Despite late pressure from the Ibadan-based 3SC, the Ikenne side maintained a disciplined defensive line to see out the hard-earned win, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
While Remo Stars celebrated their ascent from the bottom of the table, the title race took an unexpected turn in Ozoro. Rivers United, previously leading the standings, suffered a significant setback after a 2-0 loss to Warri Wolves. The host team took an early lead in the 12th minute when Igbunu Evwierhurhoma converted a clinical penalty.
Rivers United pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half but were caught on the counter-attack in the final moments of the game. Othuke Egbo sealed the victory for Warri Wolves in the 90th minute, ending Rivers United’s unbeaten run and forcing them down to second place on the log.
The shift at the top allowed Enugu Rangers to reclaim the first position, albeit on goal difference, despite a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against Barau FC. Rangers now sit level on points with Rivers United but hold the advantage in the technical standings as the season enters its final stretch.
In one of the most surprising results of the day, bottom-placed Kun Khalifat recorded the only away victory of the matchday. Playing at the Lafia City Stadium, the struggling side edged title contenders Nasarawa United 1-0. The match appeared headed for a stalemate until Stanley Otu fired home a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time, silencing the home crowd and dealing a major blow to Nasarawa’s championship ambitions.
In other centers across the country, Kano Pillars delivered the most dominant performance of the day, thrashing Bendel Insurance 4-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Kwara United also recorded a convincing 3-0 home win over El-Kanemi Warriors, while Katsina United secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes.
The weekend results have significantly tightened both the top and bottom of the NPFL table. With only ten matches remaining in the 2025/2026 season, the battle for the title and the fight against relegation remain undecided.
NPFL Matchday 28 Full Results:
- Kwara Utd 3-0 El-Kanemi
- Remo Stars 1-0 3SC
- Rangers 0-0 Barau
- Katsina Utd 1-0 Tornadoes
- Kano Pillars 4-0 Bendel Insurance
- Warri Wolves 2-0 Rivers Utd
- Nasarawa Utd 0-1 Kun Khalifat
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