NPFL MD 18 Wrap: Remo Stars return to league summit as Shooting pick away win in Enugu

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars moved to the top of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after 18 games with a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United in Ikenne on Sunday.

A brace from Malik Jabbar in the last six minutes of the encounter won the match for the Sky Blue Stars.

The hosts were without Sodiq Ismail, captain Nduka Junior, and forward Sikiru Alimi for the game as they were on international duty with the national team for Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Qualifiers in Accra, Ghana.

Their absence was felt in the match as the first half ended goalless, and it took a brace in the final moments of the match to win the game.

Elsewhere, Rivers United forced Nasarawa United to a 1-1 draw away from home.

Kabir Abdullahi’s 50th-minute penalty for the Pride of Rivers canceled out John Joshua’s opener for the Solid Miners.

The surprise result of the matchday saw Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) securing a 1-0 win against Rangers International FC in Enugu.

Ilouwem Utin’s 27th-minute goal separated both sides.

In Umuahia, goals from Anthony Ijoma and Sunday Megwo gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Ikorodu City FC.

The late-night encounter between Kwara United and Katsina United at the Ilorin Township stadium ended 1-0 in favor of the host as Ismail Gata scored the winning goal.

Earlier on Saturday, Kano Pillars edged Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at home.

Sunshine Stars and Bendel Insurance secured a 1-0 victory against El Kanemi Warriors and Lobi Stars, respectively.

Overall, Remo Stars topped the log with 33 points, the same as second-placed Rivers United.

Shooting Stars moved to the third position with 39 points, while Rangers International FC dropped to the fourth spot with 28 points.

On the other side of the table, Akwa United occupies the 20th position with 16 points, a point behind 19th-placed Plateau United, while Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United have 19 points apiece.