Nigeria Leagues
Remo Stars close in on maiden NPFL title with derby win at Shooting Stars
By Dayo Awoniyi
Remo Stars took a decisive step toward their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title on Sunday with a gritty 1–0 win over Shooting Stars in a fiercely contested South-West derby in Ibadan.
Midfielder Alex Oyowah delivered the breakthrough in the 30th minute, finishing off a fluid attacking move to hand the visitors a crucial lead. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Remo Stars held firm to secure all three points at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The result extends Remo Stars’ lead at the top of the NPFL table to seven points, with 65 points from 34 matches and just four rounds left to play. The victory further solidifies their position as strong title favorites, as they chase a historic league triumph.
Rivers United kept pace in second place with a narrow win of their own, while Ikorodu City climbed to third after a hard-earned draw on the road. Bendel Insurance also made a slight move up the table following a stalemate with Nasarawa United.
Meanwhile, Heartland’s relegation troubles deepened after failing to capitalize on home advantage in a goalless draw against Kwara United. Akwa United’s struggles also continued with a loss that keeps them firmly in danger.
As the season winds down, Remo Stars look increasingly poised for a fairytale finish, while the battle for survival at the bottom remains as fierce as ever.