NPFL MD15 Wrap: Remo Stars beat Lobi Star to go top ahead of Christmas break

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars secured a 2-0 win against Lobi Stars to claim the summit of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after matchday 15 results across seven games on Sunday.

In Ikenne, the Sky Blue Stars had to rely on two late goals from Sikiru Alimi and Adams Olamilekan to go top of the table ahead of Christmas day.

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Evans Iyebi Ogbonda’s sixth-minute goal handed Bendel Insurance a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors.

In Ilorin, Kwara United had to come from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win against Plateau United.

Albert Hilary broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 19th minute before they were reduced to ten players with a second bookable offence to Yakubu Adam in the 35th minute.

The numerical advantage paid off as Kabiru Balogun equalised for the Harmony Boys in the 71st minute.

Sadeeq Yusuf scored the winner ten minutes later before being sent off for his second bookable offence.

Niger Tornadoes edged Kano Pillars 1-0 thanks to Bashiru Usman’s goal in the additional minutes of the second half.

In Gombe, Mujeeb Odufeso scored the winner for Gombe United against Katsina United.

In Lagos, Sporting Lagos forced ten-man Bayelsa United to a 1-1 draw as Aliu Salaudeen canceled out Robert Mizo’s opener after Kehinde Lawal was sent off for the travelers in the 72nd minute.

Akwa United and ten-man Sunshine Stars played out a 0-0 draw in Uyo.

Overall, Remo Stars returned to the top of the table with 29 points after 15 games, a point ahead of Doma United.

Lobi Stars (26 points) and Bendel Insurance (23 points) complete the top four places.

At the other end, Heartland FC occupy the bottom of the table with 13 points behind Bayelsa United (14 points), Akwa United (15 points), and Rivers United (15 points).

Rivers United has five outstanding games due to their continental engagements.

2023/2024 NPFL Matchday 15 Results

Gombe United 1-0 Katsina United

Akwa United 0-0 Sunshine Stars

Bendel Insurance 1-0 Abia Warriors

Kwara United 2-1 Plateau United

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Kano Pillars

Remo Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

Sporting Lagos 1-1 Bayelsa United

Doma United 1-0 Heartland FC

Enyimba International FC 1-1 Enugu Rangers