The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) round 18 witnessed a thrilling weekend of action, with several teams vying for the top spot, which has left the league with reshuffled standings.
From dramatic last-minute goals to standout performances, the Nigerian League continues to thrill fans across the country, footballrover reports.
Remo Stars emerged victorious, claiming the summit after a convincing home win.
However, Rivers United remain hot on their heels, maintaining a strong challenge for the league title.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the highlights, results, and what lies ahead in the competition.
Breakdown of events in NPFL round 18
Kano Pillars secure last-minute win over Niger Tornadoes
The weekend’s fixtures kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes.
Rashid Alhassan put Pillars ahead early, but Niger Tornadoes quickly responded through Mohammed Aliyu to level the score.
However, it was Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa who sealed the win for the Kano boys with a stoppage-time goal, giving them a 2-1 victory.
Kano Pillars now sit in 7th place with 25 points, while Niger Tornadoes are just behind in 8th with 24 points.
Sunshine Stars edge El Kanemi Warriors
In another Saturday clash, Sunshine Stars hosted El Kanemi Warriors.
Fast-rising young star Promise Awosanmi continued his impressive form this season by scoring the only goal of the match.
This victory moved Sunshine Stars up to 14th place with 21 points, while El Kanemi Warriors remain in 5th place with 26 points.
Bendel Insurance narrowly beat Lobi Stars
Later on Saturday, Bendel Insurance secured a narrow 1-0 win over Lobi Stars, with Isaac Annor scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
The victory lifted the Benin-based team to 15th place with 20 points, while Lobi Stars remain in 18th place with just 19 points.
Shooting Stars clinch famous victory over Rangers
Sunday’s fixtures began with a historic away win for Shooting Stars of Ibadan, who triumphed 1-0 over perennial rivals, Enugu Rangers.
Ikouwem Udo Utin’s first-half goal in the 28th minute proved to be the match-winner.
Rangers missed a golden opportunity to equalise when they failed to convert a penalty in the 85th minute.
The win pushed Shooting Stars up to 3rd place with 30 points, while Rangers sit in 4th place with 28 points.
Remo Stars top the table with convincing
win
In a dominant performance, the Sky Blue Stars moved to the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United.
Jamil Malik’s brace in the 84th and 88th minutes secured the win for the home team, pushing them to 33 points, with a goal difference of +10.
Rivers United draws with Nasarawa United
Rivers United gave away their spot to move down to second place but also on 33 points, following a 1-1 draw away to Nasarawa United.
Joshua John gave Nasarawa the lead in the 14th minute, but Kabiru Abdullahi equalised for the Garden City side in the 50th minute with a well-taken penalty.
Abia Warriors triumph over Ikorodu City
Abia Warriors defeated high-flying Ikorodu City 2-0, with two first-half goals that gave them a commanding lead.
Despite Ikorodu City’s attempts, they couldn’t recover, leaving them in 6th place with 25 points, while Abia Warriors moved up to 10th place with 24 points.
Kwara United edge Katsina United
In a tightly contested match, the Harmony Boys secured a 1-0 victory over Katsina United, thanks to a late penalty by Ismaila Adeshina in the 87th minute.
The win lifted Kwara United to 11th place with 23 points, while Katsina United remain in 16th with 20 points.
Final match of the NPFL round 18: Akwa United vs. Heartland
The final match of the round, involving Akwa United and Heartland of Owerri, will take place later today.
Both teams will be looking to improve their positions in the league standings.
NPFL round 18 results at a glance
– Kano Pillars 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
– Sunshine Stars 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors
– Bendel Insurance 1-0 Lobi Stars
– Abia Warriors 2-0 Ikorodu City
– Enugu Rangers 0-1 Shooting Stars
– Nasarawa United 1-1 Rivers United
– Remo Stars 2-0 Bayelsa United
– Kwara United 1-0 Katsina United
Standings: A close race for the top spot
A clear struggle to avoid relegation
What’s Next?
With NPFL Round 18 now behind us, the upcoming fixtures promise more exciting action. On Saturday, Lobi Stars will face Heartland of Owerri.
Sunday’s matches will kick off with El Kanemi Warriors hosting Kano Pillars, followed by Bayelsa United taking on Abia Warriors.
Enyimba will go head-to-head with Bendel Insurance, while Ikorodu City will square off against Sunshine Stars.
Katsina United will play Nasarawa United, and Niger Tornadoes will welcome Enugu Rangers.
Remo Stars will host Akwa United, while Rivers United will battle Plateau United.
Finally, Shooting Stars will face Kwara United.
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