NPFL MD5: Kwara United end Remo Stars perfect start as Rivers United go top

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars’ flawless start to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season came to an abrupt halt on Matchday five, as they were edged 1-0 by Kwara United in Ilorin.

The Sky Blue Stars, who had won their first four games, were reduced to 10 men after Sani Faisal received a straight red card, giving the Harmony Boys the numerical advantage they needed to secure victory.

Kwara United capitalized on their man advantage, with Abdulraheem Shola netting the decisive goal in the second half, ensuring the home side claimed all three points.

The defeat saw Daniel Ogunmodede’s team drop to second place on the table, now with 12 points from five matches. Rivers United’s 2-1 victory over Akwa United saw them leapfrog Remo Stars to the top of the standings with 13 points, leaving the Sky Blue Stars just a point behind in second.

Finidi George’s Rivers United remain one of the two unbeaten teams in the league this season, with El-Kanemi Warriors—the reigning Federation Cup champions—also maintaining an undefeated record, despite having played a game less due to their continental commitments.

In other action, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa marked his return to the NPFL with a stellar performance for Kano Pillars. Musa scored two goals to lead the Sai Masu Gida to a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars, securing their first victory of the season. Kano Pillars now sit in eighth place on the table with seven points from five games.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Remo Stars can bounce back from their first defeat, while Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors continue to make strong cases for top honours.

2024/2025 NPFL Matchday Five Results

Lobi Stars 1-0 Shooting Stars

Bendel Insurance 1-1 El Kanemi Warriors

Rivers United 2-1 Akwa United

Kano Pillars 2-0 Sunshine Stars

Rangers International 1-0 Abia Warriors

Nasarawa United 0-0 Bayelsa United

Plateau United 1-0 Ikorodu City FC

Heartland FC 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

Kwara United 1-0 Remo Stars

Enyimba 3-0 Katsina United (Abandoned, to be continued on Monday, October 7, 8:00 am Nigerian time)