2024 NPFL MD16 Wrap: Remo Stars end 2023 as NPFL leaders despite Heartland loss

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars will finish 2023 as league leaders despite a 3-1 loss to relegated threatened Heartland FC in the last 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounters for 2023 across nine centres on Thursday.

Promise Anyawu opened the scoring for the host from the penalty spot in the 50th minute before Alimi Sikiru equalised for the Sky Blue Stars in the 68th minute.

Two late goals in the additional minutes of the second half from Onyekachi Okafor and Chinedu Ike lifted Heartland to victory.

It is the first time in 580 calendar days that Heartland will score three goals in a single NPFL match since May 28, 2022, when they defeated Shooting Stars 3-1.

The team remained in the relegation dugout despite the win in the 17th position.

Earlier on Wednesday, a goal from Kumaga Suur lifted Lobi Stars to a 1-0 win against Niger Tornadoes ensuring the former moved to the second position ahead of Doma United which suffered a 2-0 loss to Sunshine Stars.

In Yenagoa, Enyimba FC earned an away win over Bayelsa United. The People’s Elephant secured a 2-1 win thanks to goals by Ekene Awazie and Chijioke Mbaoma’s penalty on either side of Israel Consul’s goal.

Elsewhere, Albert Hilary scored the winner as Plateau United edged Sporting Lagos in Jos.

While Kano Pillars had to come from a goal down to pick a 2-1 win against Kwara United in Kano.

Goals from Aminu Mohammed and Mustapha Yuga canceled out Emmanuel Ogbole’s opener for the Harmony Boys.

Just as Katsina United compounded Akwa United’s relegation woes as Chidera Ezeh’s goal condemned the Uyo-based side to another loss in Katsina.

Two goals from Samson Bossa Obi ensured that Abia Warriors beat Gombe United 3-1 with another strike from Nwabueze Paschal while David Nnaji pulled a goal back for the visitors.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United forced Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw as Nyima Nwagua equalised Chisom Okereke’s opener for Monday Odigie’s side.

Football returned to the Cathedral as Enugu Rangers played at their traditional home ground for the first time this season and secured a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars thanks to goals from Kalu Nweke and Chiedozie Okorie.

On the standings, Remo Stars with 29 points and a superior goal difference top the table heading into the new year ahead of Lobi Stars on the same point.

Doma United (28 points) and Enyimba FC (26 points) complete the top four teams.

At the other end of the log, Bayelsa United dropped to the bottom of the table with 14 points behind Akwa United (15 points), Niger Tornadoes (16 points), and Heartland FC (16 points).

2023/2024 NPFL Matchday 16 Results

Sunshine Stars 2-0 Doma United

Katsina United 1-0 Akwa United

Abia Warriors 3-1 Gombe United

Rivers United 1-1 Bendel Insurance

Bayelsa United 1-2 Enyimba FC

Enugu Rangers 2-0 Shooting Stars

Heartland FC 3-1 Remo Stars

Kano Pillars 2-1 Kwara United

Lobi Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

Plateau United 1-0 Sporting Lagos