The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League—NPFL Round 24 took another dramatic turn as league leaders Remo Stars suffered a setback, Rivers United lost crucial ground, and Heartland FC produced a thrilling late win.

With the battle for the top intensifying and the relegation fight heating up, here’s a detailed breakdown of all the key moments from NPFL Round 24, Footballrover reports.

Breakdown of events in NPFL round 24

Rangers pause Remo Stars’ title hopes

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers delivered a statement victory by defeating NPFL leaders Remo Stars 2-1.

Isaac Saviour opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Kingsley Maduforo doubled the lead in the 59th minute.

Sikiru Alimi’s late strike for Remo Stars in the 89th minute was nothing more than a consolation.

Heartland leaves it late against Shooting Stars

Heartland Owerri secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars at the Dan Anyiam International Stadium.

Chukwuemeka Agor Justice put Heartland ahead in the 30th minute, but a late penalty from Adam Mustapha brought Shooting Stars level in the 80th minute.

However, John Bassey struck in the 88th minute to hand the hosts all three points.

Rivers United stumbles again

Rivers United’s title hopes took another hit after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Enyimba at the Elephant Park.

A stunning free kick from Imoh Obot in the first half was enough to secure all three points for the Aba giants, pushing Rivers United further down the table.

Bendel Insurance dismantles Niger Tornadoes

Bendel Insurance continued their impressive form with a dominant 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes as they continue to push away from the relegation battle.

Julius Emiloju struck early, finding the net just five minutes into the game.

Niger Tornadoes’ woes deepened when Joshua Enaholo was shown a straight red card before halftime.

The hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage in the second half, with Uche Collins extending the lead in the 55th minute, before Kayode Oke Solomon wrapped up the win in the 76th minute.

Kano Pillars edge Abia Warriors

Pillars returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors.

Mustapha Umar struck three minutes before halftime, and his goal proved to be the difference.

Kwara United secures hard-fought victory

Kwara United replicated the feat in Ilorin, overcoming Bayelsa United in another tight contest.

The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when NPFL veteran Wasiu Jimoh fired home to secure the win for the home side.

Lobi Stars and Katsina United share spoils

In Maiduguri, Lobi Stars and Katsina United played out a 1-1 draw. After a goalless first half, Tope Adande put Lobi ahead in the 69th minute, but Promise Damala equalised for Katsina United just before stoppage time.

Plateau United cruise past El-Kanemi Warriors

In Jos, Plateau United cruised to a 2-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. Emmanuel Ihezuo converted a penalty just before halftime, and Olawale Doyeni added a second in the 81st minute to seal the win.

Sunshine Stars edge Akwa United

At the Ikenne Sports Stadium, Sunshine Stars of Akure edged struggling Akwa United 1-0. Samuel Matthews netted the decisive goal in the 29th minute, ensuring all three points for the home side.

Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City fire blanks

Finally, at the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City battled to a goalless draw in a tense encounter where neither side could break the deadlock.

NPFL Round 24 results at a glance

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

Standings: A close race for the top spot

Standings: A clear struggle to avoid relegation

What’s next?

NPFL Round 25 promises more excitement as Remo Stars aim to bounce back, while Rivers United will be desperate to regain lost ground.

Meanwhile, the battle to avoid relegation intensifies, with Akwa United and Lobi Stars needing urgent turnarounds.

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Last Updated on February 17, 2025 9:13 am by footballrover