NPFL Review: Ikorodu City Slip, Drop to Fourth as Enyimba and Remo Stars Crash

Matchday 29 of the Nigeria Professional Football League produced drama across the country, with Ikorodu City dropping to fourth place, Enyimba sinking into the relegation zone, and Remo Stars suffering yet another defeat.

Rivers United maintained their grip on the summit with a 3-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Chijioke Mbaoma broke the deadlock before Wisdom Samuel doubled the lead. Insurance pulled one back, but Rivers sealed the win late on to stay two points clear at the top with two games in hand.

Enugu Rangers kept pace in second with a resounding 4-1 win over Remo Stars at the Cathedral. Kenneth Igbokwe opened the scoring and Chidozie Iwandu added a second before Frank Kingue gave Remo hope.

Precious Agu restored Rangers’ cushion in the 62nd minute, and Igbokwe completed his brace to hand Remo their record-extending 17th loss of the season.

Nasarawa United tightened their hold on third place with a narrow 1-0 win over Ikorodu City in Lafia. Bright Amadi struck late to secure the points, leaving Ikorodu City to slip down to fourth after failing to build on their earlier title challenge.

At the other end of the table, Enyimba’s woes deepened as they lost 2-1 away to Warri Wolves. The defeat officially dragged the Aba giants into the relegation zone, while Wolves ended a six-game winless run and climbed to ninth.

Kwara United, meanwhile, recorded their first away win of the season by beating Katsina United 2-1. Johnmark Aule equalised after Ismail Muhammed’s opener, before the visitors snatched a late winner to move within four points of safety.

Kun Khalifat also boosted survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United, climbing out of last place.

Elsewhere, Kano Pillars celebrated a crucial derby win, defeating Barau FC 1-0 thanks to Ahmed Musa’s strike from a corner routine.

The victory lifted Pillars out of the drop zone for the first time in months. Plateau United impressed with a 3-0 triumph over Niger Tornadoes, extending their opponents’ winless streak to six matches.

Abia Warriors also stayed in contention near the top as Emeka Obioma scored his landmark 50th NPFL goal in a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars.