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NPFL Matchday 16: Rangers shine, Remo Stars edge Enyimba as title race heats up
A weekend of big performances, tight tactical battles, and shifting positions across the league as the season approaches its midpoint.
Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another dramatic round of fixtures featuring emphatic victories, disciplined defensive displays, and key results that reshaped the top half of the table. From Rangers’ ruthless performance in Enugu to Remo Stars’ statement win over Enyimba, fans were treated to a compelling weekend of football.
Rangers International 4–1 Bayelsa United
Rangers International produced the standout display of the weekend with a commanding 4–1 victory over Bayelsa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The Flying Antelopes began with intensity and sharpness, pressing high and disrupting Bayelsa’s rhythm. Chidozie Iwundu scored twice in the opening 17 minutes, putting Rangers firmly in control before Issah Yusuf briefly halved the deficit with a spectacular 22nd-minute strike.
Rangers responded immediately, restoring their cushion through Kenechukwu Agur before Chimobi added a fourth just before halftime. The second half was a controlled display from the hosts as they sealed an important win that keeps them strong in the title race.
Plateau United 1–0 Warri Wolves
Plateau United continued their impressive home form with a narrow 1–0 win over Warri Wolves in Jos.
A fiercely contested midfield battle defined much of the match, but Plateau took the lead in the 19th minute when Nenrot Silas’ dangerous cross forced a Wolves defender into an own goal. The Peace Boys remained compact and disciplined, denying Wolves any clear opportunities as they secured all three points.
Remo Stars 2–1 Enyimba
Remo Stars claimed a statement victory in Ikenne with a 2–1 win over Enyimba.
Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring just three minutes in after capitalising on defensive hesitation. Enyimba equalised in the 32nd minute through Edidiong Ezekiel, but Mbaoma struck again on the stroke of halftime to restore Remo Stars’ lead.
The second half was a tactical battle, with Enyimba pushing hard for an equaliser. Remo’s disciplined defensive structure held firm, securing a crucial victory that keeps them among the top contenders.
Abia Warriors 0–0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors and Rivers United played out a cagey goalless draw in Umuahia.
Rivers controlled possession and tempo, while Abia threatened on the counter. However, both sides lacked sharpness in the final third, resulting in a stalemate that leaves their league positions largely unchanged.
Kwara United 2–0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United maintained their excellent home run with a comfortable 2–0 win over Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin.
The Harmony Boys dominated early and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Bright Babatunde finished calmly. A Tornadoes own goal in the 37th minute doubled their lead as the visitors struggled to cope with Kwara’s tempo and pressure.
Wikki Tourists 0–0 Ikorodu City
Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City settled for a goalless draw in Bauchi.
Though both teams showed defensive organisation, neither produced enough creativity in the final third. Wikki—one of the league’s lowest-scoring sides—again found clear chances hard to come by.
El Kanemi Warriors 0–0 Barau FC
Another goalless contest unfolded in Maiduguri as El Kanemi Warriors and Barau FC shared the spoils.
El Kanemi created the better chances but were wasteful, while Barau FC relied on compact defending and counterattacks but rarely troubled the goalkeeper.
Kano Pillars 2–1 Kun Khalifat
Kano Pillars returned to winning ways with a determined 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Rabiu opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Ebuka Nwokorie equalised for the visitors. Pillars regained the lead in the 38th minute through Ali’s well-taken penalty and defended resolutely in the second half to seal an important win.
