The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Round 22 brought unexpected twists and high drama as teams jostled for crucial points in both the title race and relegation battle.
Heartland delivered an impressive 2-0 win over Rivers United, while Remo Stars strengthened their lead at the top, Footballrover reports.
Meanwhile, Akwa United’s struggles continued after defeat in Umuahia.
As the season intensifies, the race for the top and the fight to avoid relegation have become even more thrilling.
Breakdown of Events in NPFL Round 22
Heartland crush Rivers United: A stunning victory
In Owerri, Heartland pulled off a crushing 2-0 victory over Rivers United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Christian Molokwu broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, and Joel Okorie sealed the win with a second goal in the 74th minute.
The win was a massive boost for Heartland, and it left the Pride of Rivers with a tough defeat to swallow.
Plateau United 1-1 Shooting Stars: A draw in Jos
At the Jos Township Stadium, Plateau United and Shooting Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Kabiru Tijjani put Shooting Stars ahead in the 75th minute, but Plateau United responded just a minute later through Albert Hilary.
Both teams will feel they could have claimed all three points.
Nasarawa United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes: Yusuf’s brace seals the win
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United had a commanding 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes at Lafia City Stadium.
Anas Yusuf’s early goal in the 4th minute and a second in the 69th ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.
Remo Stars 2-1 Sunshine Stars: Stars shine bright in Ikenne
On Saturday, Remo Stars defeated Sunshine Stars 2-1 in Ikenne.
Alex Oyowah opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and Ibrahim Abubakar Babawo added a second in the 28th minute.
Samuel Matthew reduced the deficit for Sunshine Stars in the 67th minute, but it was too little too late, as Remo Stars held on for all three points.
Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa United: goalless war in Kano
The match between Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United ended in a goalless draw.
Both teams struggled to break each other down, and the lack of goals left both sides disappointed.
A share of the spoils meant neither team was able to make significant progress in their respective campaigns.
Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa United: Umuahia Boys dominate
Abia Warriors claimed a dominant 2-0 win over Akwa United at Umuahia Township Stadium.
Ijoma Antoine scored in the 27th minute to give the hosts the lead, and Maxwell Kageshina sealed the victory with a second goal in the third minute of stoppage time.
The result was a much-needed win for Abia Warriors, while Akwa United’s troubles deepened.
Enugu Rangers 2-0 Ikorodu City: Flying Antelopes return to winning ways
Enugu Rangers returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Ikorodu City at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Godwin Obaje opened the scoring just before halftime, and Isaac Saviour secured the win with a goal in the 88th minute.
The win lifts the Coal City side back into the hunt for a top-four finish.
Lobi Stars 0-1 Enyimba: A tight win for the Big Elephant
In Bauchi, Enyimba triumphed over Lobi Stars with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a first-half goal from Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.
The goal was enough to secure all three points for the Aba Boys, who needed a victory to stay in contention for a higher league position.
Kwara United 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors: Afonja Boys march on
Kwara United made light work of El-Kanemi Warriors, securing a 2-0 victory at home.
Wasiu Alalade and Wasiu Jimoh were the scorers for the hosts in the 39th and 58th minutes.
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Katsina United: Junior’s strike the difference
Bendel Insurance earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Katsina United, with Julius Emiloju Junior’s 26th-minute strike the difference.
NPFL Round 22: Results at a Glance
– Sunshine Stars 1-2 Remo Stars
– Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa United
– Nasarawa United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
– Heartland 2-0 Rivers United
– Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa United
– Plateau United 1-1 Shooting Stars
– Lobi Stars 0-1 Enyimba
– Rangers 2-0 Ikorodu City
– Bendel Insurance 1-0 Katsina United
– Kwara United 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Standings: A close race for the top spot
Standings: A clear struggle to avoid relegation
What’s next?
The NPFL action continues to heat up as teams fight for supremacy and survival. Remo Stars will look to extend their lead, while teams in the relegation zone will aim to claw their way to safety.
Round 23 promises to deliver more intense matchups as every point becomes crucial.
With the standings shifting rapidly, the NPFL title race and relegation battle are far from decided. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and match results from the Nigerian League.
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