The resumption of the second half of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL Round 20) produced thrilling encounters across various centers, with Remo Stars holding their grip at the top, while Rangers suffered a disappointing home defeat.
NPFL Round 20 clash between Abia Warriors and Bayelsa United
In an action-packed round, fans witnessed dramatic comebacks, late goals, and high-scoring affairs that kept the excitement alive, footballrover reports.
Breakdown of events in NPFL round 20
Sunshine Stars edge Ikorodu City in seven-goal thriller
The clash between Sunshine Stars and Ikorodu City at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne was a goal fest.
Sunshine Stars held onto a 3-1 first-half lead to edge Ikorodu City 4-3 in a pulsating encounter.
Alao Danlami and Shola Adelani both scored braces for their respective sides, with Danlami finding the net in the 33rd and 75th minutes, while Adelani struck in the 45th and 67th minutes.
Liman Ahmadu opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, and Emmanuel Solomon netted a late consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time (90+4’).
Rangers fall to Niger Tornadoes at home
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Niger Tornadoes, marking their second home loss of the season.
Ismail Sarki stunned the Flying Antelope fans with an early goal in the 17th minute, but Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze levelled for Rangers four minutes later.
However, Ifeanyi Okechukwu sealed the win for the visitors in the 65th minute, leaving Coal city side struggling for form.
Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors secure narrow wins
Nasarawa United secured a crucial 1-0 win over Katsina United, thanks to a 36th-minute strike from Qamar Adegoke.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors also managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United, with Sunday Megwo scoring in the 5th minute to give the hosts all three points.
Remo Stars mount comeback against Akwa United
In Uyo, NPFL leaders Remo Stars came from behind to defeat Akwa United 2-1. Uche Sabastine gave the hosts the lead, but late strikes from Samuel Anakwe and Olamilekan Adebayo ensured the Sky Blue Stars walked away with maximum points.
Heartland edge Lobi Stars in tense encounter
Heartland FC earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in Owerri, with Bassey John’s 58th-minute goal proving to be the decider.
The Ofe Owerri boys held on to secure all three points against the Pride of Benue.
Late drama in Plateau United vs. Rivers United clash
Rivers United suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Plateau United. Olawale Doyeni had initially put the Peace Boys in front in first half.
After Ndifreke Effiong’s late equaliser in the 87th minute, Emmanuel Ihezue struck deep into stoppage time to hand the home side a dramatic win.
Postponed matches
Some fixtures, including Bendel Insurance vs. Enyimba, have been rescheduled, while Kwara United’s clash with Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars’ encounter with El Kanemi Warriors have been postponed.
NPFL Round 20 results at a glance
– Nasarawa United 1-0 Katsina United
– Enugu Rangers 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
– Sunshine Stars 4-3 Ikorodu City
– Abia Warriors 1-0 Bayelsa United
– Akwa United 1-2 Remo Stars
– Heartland 1-0 Lobi Stars
– Plateau United 2-1 Rivers United
NPFL Standings: A Close race for the top spot
NPFL Standings: A clear struggle to avoid relegation
NPFL Round 20 offered plenty of drama, with Remo Stars extending their lead at the top, while the battle for survival intensifies at the bottom.
With crucial fixtures still to be played, we’ll continue to keep an eye out for more action in the coming weeks.
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