The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) round 19 delivered eventful action, shocking upsets, and nail-biting finishes as clubs battled for supremacy in the NPFL 2024/2025 season.
From Ikorodu City’s dramatic last-minute penalty win to Remo Stars sealing their position atop the standings, the weekend actions left with so much excitement, Footballrover reports.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the drama and results that unfolded.
Breakdown of events in NPFL round 19
Enugu Rangers revenge in Minna
Rangers International avenged their earlier loss to Shooting Stars by narrowly defeating Niger Tornadoes 1-0.
Bashiru Usman’s 33rd-minute strike earned the Flying Antelopes three vital points, lifting them to 31 points, while Tornadoes remain at 24 points after 19 games.
Southwest derbies deliver drama
Ikorodu City Triumphs: Ikorodu City clinched a 2-1 victory against Sunshine Stars with a penalty scored deep into added time.
The Lagos-based side now boasts 28 points, while Sunshine Stars lag behind with 22 points.
Shooting Stars Edge Kwara United: Adams Mustapha’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1-0 win for Shooting Stars, elevating their tally to 33 points.
Kwara United, with 23 points, has a game in hand to turn their fortunes around.
Kano Pillars fall in Maiduguri
El Kanemi Warriors edged Kano Pillars 1-0 courtesy of Al-Amin Umar’s 39th-minute goal, taking their points to 29. Pillars stay at 25 points with one match in hand.
Katsina United clinch home win
Katsina United overcame Nasarawa United with Azeez Falolu’s 75th-minute winner. Katsina now holds 23 points, while Nasarawa struggles with 19 points from 18 games.
Remo Stars continue to shine
The league leaders defeated Akwa United 2-1 in a thrilling contest. Shuaibu Ibrahim’s early penalty and Raymond Tochukwu’s 80th-minute strike sealed the deal.
Remo Stars now lead with 36 points, while Akwa United remains at the bottom with 19 points.
Lobi Stars and Heartland share spoils
A goalless draw between Lobi Stars and Heartland FC left both teams frustrated. Lobi Stars sit on 20 points, just above the relegation zone, while Heartland has 22 points.
Rivers United hold Plateau United in Monday encounter
Rivers United narrowly avoided defeat in their NPFL Round 19 clash against Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Monday evening.
The Pride of Rivers salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw thanks to a late equaliser in a match that tested the nerves of fans on both sides.
After a goalless first half, Plateau United’s Vincent Temitope shocked the hosts with a clinical finish just six minutes into the second half.
The visitors held on tightly, frustrating Rivers United’s attempts to break through their defense.
However, deep into stoppage time, Handsome Surveyor rescued a point for the home side, firing home an equaliser in the 96th minute.
The result leaves Rivers United with 34 points from 19 games, maintaining their chase for the top spot.
Plateau United, meanwhile, continues to struggle, sitting on 20 points after 19 matches.
NPFL round 19 results at a glance
– El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
– Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Enugu Rangers
– Ikorodu City 2-1 Sunshine Stars
– Katsina United 1-0 Nasarawa United
– Lobi Stars 0-0 Heartland
– Remo Stars 2-1 Akwa United
– Shooting Stars 1-0 Kwara United
– Rivers United 1-1 Plateau United
Standings: A close race for the top spot
A clear struggle to avoid relegation
What’s next?
The NPFL round 19 action done and dusted, the Nigeria Premier Football League is set to commence a three-week mid-season break following the conclusion of Matchday 19, marking the end of the first half of the season.
Officially starting on January 6, the break coincides with a transfer window that will stay open until February 5, 2025, providing teams the chance to strengthen their squads before league action resumes on January 25, 2025.
This period offers players and clubs a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with their families while preparing for the challenges of the season’s second half.
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