Arierhi Fires Remo Stars to NPFL Youth League Finals

Remo Stars have emerged champions of the Ikenne Centre in the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Youth League, with striker Daniel Arierhi finishing as the top scorer after netting four goals in five matches.

The Sky Blue youngsters were dominant throughout the group stage, winning all but one of their matches — a goalless draw against runners-up Ikorodu City on Matchday 3. Arierhi’s four goals contributed to the tournament’s total of 39 goals from 15 games, which included three penalties and one own goal.

Isah Ibrahim of Ikorodu City and Akinocchio Mervielle of Remo Stars followed closely with three goals apiece.

Remo Stars topped the group with 13 points and a goal difference of +13, while Ikorodu City secured second place with 10 points and a +5 goal difference. Both teams have now qualified for the tournament finals, where they will face the top two teams from the Kano and Umuahia centres.

The race for those remaining slots kicked off today.

In Kano, El-Kanemi Warriors came from behind to defeat Nasarawa United 2–1. Naszifi Yunusa opened the scoring for Nasarawa in the 11th minute, but El-Kanemi responded through Bukar Yerima in the 44th and Abdullahi Sanib in the 62nd minute.

The second game saw Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United battle to a 1–1 draw. Monday Pindan struck first for Plateau in the 45th minute, but Isah Kasim A equalized for Tornadoes just a minute later.

Over in Umuahia, Akwa United edged Abia Warriors 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. Imoh Asuquo gave Akwa the lead in the 10th minute, but Chijindu Godwin leveled for Abia on 35 minutes. Chidom Obioma restored Akwa’s lead early in the second half, only for David Ukpai Uchenna to equalize again in the 58th minute. Dike Izuna sealed the win for Akwa United seven minutes from time.

Bayelsa United and Heartland FC shared the spoils in a 2–2 draw in the second match of the day.