The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Round 16 lived up to its billing as a thrilling spectacle, with shocking results and dramatic comebacks across the Nigerian League.
Rivers United’s grip on the top spot slipped after a narrow defeat to Rangers, while Remo Stars capitalised on the opportunity to reclaim their lead, Footballrover reports.
From Jos to Yenagoa, fans were treated to an action-packed weekend that left the standings tighter than ever.
Matchday Highlights
Rangers Edge Rivers in Enugu
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze’s 16th-minute goal secured a vital 1-0 win for Rangers International against Rivers United.
The Flying Antelopes leapfrogged to third place, boasting 27 points, while Rivers United dropped to second on goal difference, both tied on 29 points.
Remo Stars Regain Top Spot
In Ikenne, Remo Stars dispatched El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to reclaim the top position.
Goals from Lekan Oladipo and Emmanuel John sealed the victory, bringing Remo Stars to 29 points with a superior goal difference of +8.
Bayelsa United Shock Ikorodu City
Ikorodu City’s climb up the table was halted by Bayelsa United, who snatched a 1-0 win in Yenagoa thanks to Rabiu Abdullahi’s 79th-minute strike.
The result dropped Ikorodu City to fourth place with 24 points.
Plateau United in a Five-Goal Thriller
Heartland FC looked poised to pull off an upset in Jos, leading Plateau United 2-1 until late goals by Sunday Anthony and Mafeng Pam in the 69th and 90th minutes turned the game around.
Plateau secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Round 16 Results at a Glance
Plateau United 3-2 Heartland FC
Abia Warriors 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Bayelsa United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Rangers 1-0 Rivers United
Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United
Remo Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Standings: A Close Race for Top Spot
Remo Stars – 29 points (+8 GD)
Rivers United – 29 points (+7 GD)
Enugu Rangers – 27 points (+7 GD)
Ikorodu City – 24 points (+4 GD)
Plateau United – 23 points (+5 GD)
What’s Next?
The NPFL continues to heat up in Round 17 with fixtures that could further shake up the standings. Fans will be eager to see if Remo Stars can hold onto the top spot or if Rivers United can bounce back.
With Rangers and Plateau United also closing in, every point counts in the race for glory.
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