The Nigerian Premier Football League—NPFL round 23 delivered thrilling action, shocking upsets, and late crucial wins that intensified both the title race and the relegation battle.

From Ikorodu City’s comeback victory to Rivers United’s late winner, here’s a full breakdown of the latest Nigerian League action, Footballrover reports.

Breakdown of events in NPFL round 23

El Kanemi Warriors edge Nasarawa United

In Maiduguri, a solitary goal from Umar Al Amin in the 33rd minute secured a narrow 1-0 victory for El Kanemi Warriors over Nasarawa United.

The win provides a crucial boost in their push for a continental slot.

Remo Stars hold off Kano Pillars

At Ikenne, Remo Stars raced to a two-goal lead through Alimi Sikiru and Auwalu Ibrahim Abubakar.

Kano Pillars’ Abba Adam pulled one back before halftime, but despite late pressure, Remo Stars held on for a vital 2-1 win to maintain their place at the top of the table.

Late goal gives Shooting Stars victory over Bendel Insurance

In Akure, a tense encounter was settled nine minutes before stoppage time when Godwin Odibo found the net for Shooting Stars, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance.

Katsina United leave it late against Heartland

Muhammed Ibrahim struck in the 90th minute to hand Katsina United a dramatic 1-0 victory over struggling Heartland, who continue to battle relegation worries.

Bayelsa United and Rangers play out goalless draw

At the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, despite attacking intent from both sides, Bayelsa United and Enugu Rangers failed to break the deadlock, settling for a 0-0 stalemate.

Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United share the spoils

In Minna, Papa Daniel gave Niger Tornadoes the lead 14 minutes into the second half, but Samuel Kalu salvaged a point for Plateau United with a late equalizer, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.

Ikorodu City stage comeback to stun Kwara United

In Lagos, Kwara United took a 1st-minute lead through Junior Aimufua, but Ikorodu City responded quickly.

Ajeyigbe Toheeb equalised six minutes later, before Shola Adelani’s second-half strike completed the comeback for a 2-1 win.

Abia Warriors dominate Sunshine Stars

It was a different story in Umuahia as a commanding performance saw Abia Warriors cruise to a 3-0 win over Sunshine Stars, courtesy of first-half goals from Chidozie Iwundu, Ijoma Desouza, and a stoppage-time strike from Samuel Ogunjimi.

Akwa United edge Enyimba in tight contest

In Uyo, Akwa United secured a 2-1 victory over Enyimba, with Jacob Ogunleye opening the scoring in the 28th minute and Uche Sabastine adding a second in the 75th. Issah Mohammed netted Enyimba’s consolation goal.

Rivers United grab late winner against Lobi Stars

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Timothy Zachariah struck in the 88th minute to give Rivers United a crucial 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars, keeping their title aspirations alive with a vital three points.

NPFL round 23 results at a glance

– El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Nasarawa United
– Remo Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
– Shooting Stars 1-0 Bendel Insurance
– Katsina United 1-0 Heartland
– Bayelsa United 0-0 Enugu Rangers
– Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Plateau United
– Ikorodu City 2-1 Kwara United
– Abia Warriors 3-0 Sunshine Stars
– Akwa United 2-1 Enyimba
– Rivers United 1-0 Lobi Stars

Standings: A close race for the top spot

Remo Stars remain at the summit, but the battle for the top spots is heating up. Shooting Stars and Rivers United are in hot pursuit, while Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers continue their chase.

Standings: A clear struggle to avoid relegation

Lobi Stars sit at the bottom, while Nasarawa United, Akwa United, and Sunshine Stars are in a desperate battle to escape the drop zone.

What’s next?

With NPFL round 23 delivering intense drama, attention now shifts to Round 24, where key matchups could further shake up the table.

Remo Stars will look to extend their lead at the top as they face a tricky away fixture against Enugu Rangers.

Shooting Stars will aim to keep pace with a home clash against Heartland.

Rivers United will visit Enyimba, hoping to maintain their title charge.

At the bottom end, Akwa United face a crucial six-pointer against Sunshine Stars, with both sides desperate for points.

Remo Stars and Shooting Stars, the leading contenders for the league title, have remained unbeaten in their last eight matches, securing seven wins and one draw each.

The championship battle may ultimately be decided by which team can extend their impressive streak the longest.

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Last Updated on February 10, 2025 7:34 am by Sir Kris