Matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced several surprising outcomes as teams fought hard for points with the season entering its crucial stage.
One of the biggest shocks came at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium where Kwara United stunned hosts Katsina United with a 2–1 away victory. The important win boosted Kwara United’s hopes of escaping the relegation zone.
In Enugu, Rangers International delivered one of the most outstanding performances of the round as they overwhelmed league leaders Remo Stars 4–1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Kenneth Igboke gave Rangers an early lead in the fourth minute before Chidozie Iwundu quickly added the second goal four minutes later. Remo Stars responded just before the break when Franck Kingue reduced the deficit in stoppage time of the first half.
However, Rangers remained in full control after the restart. Wisdom Ebirim extended the lead in the 62nd minute, while Igboke grabbed his second goal deep into stoppage time to complete an impressive victory for the Flying Antelopes.
At Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated Shooting Stars 2–0 with striker Emeka Obioma scoring both goals in the 18th and 55th minutes.
Former champions Rivers United also enjoyed a comfortable afternoon after beating Bendel Insurance 3–1 to keep their title ambitions alive.
Nasarawa United claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Ikorodu City thanks to Bright Amadi’s late strike in the 83rd minute.
Plateau United produced a dominant display as they defeated Niger Tornadoes 3–0 in Jos. Temitope Vincent opened the scoring in the seventh minute, Isaiah Sunday added the second before halftime, and Nenrot Silas sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Sunshine Stars secured a 2–1 win against Enyimba in Akure. Qudus Olayinola converted a penalty in the 71st minute before Latti Yusuf added another goal five minutes later. Enyimba managed a late consolation through Chidera Michael from the penalty spot.
Khalifat FC also picked up a slim 1–0 victory over Bayelsa United with Uchechukwu Onuoha scoring the decisive goal just before halftime.
In Kano, experienced forward Ahmed Musa scored the only goal in the 57th minute to help Kano Pillars defeat Barau FC 1–0 in the Kano derby.
Earlier, Wikki Tourists began life under new coach Evans Ogenyi with a 2–1 comeback victory against El-Kanemi Warriors, a result that slightly improved their chances of moving away from the relegation zone.
With only a few rounds left before the end of the season, the latest results have intensified both the title race and the battle to avoid relegation in the NPFL.
NPFL Matchday 29 Results
- Wikki Tourists 2–1 El-Kanemi Warriors
- Katsina United 1–2 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 2–0 Shooting Stars
- Kano Pillars 1–0 Barau FC
- Kun Khalifat 1–0 Bayelsa United
- Nasarawa United 1–0 Ikorodu City
- Plateau United 3–0 Niger Tornadoes
- Rangers International 4–1 Remo Stars
- Rivers United 3–1 Bendel Insurance
- Warri Wolves 2–1 Enyimba FC
The results have added more excitement to the closing stages of the NPFL season as clubs continue their push for the title, continental qualification places, and survival in the top flight.
