The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL Round 25) delivered thrilling action, surprise upsets, and crucial points in the title and relegation battles.
Ikorodu City stunned Plateau United, while Rivers United failed to mount pressure on the title race as Heartland FC fought back valiantly but fell short of a result in a dramatic contest, Footballrover reports.
Here’s a full breakdown of the key moments from this round of the Nigerian League.
NPFL Round 25: Breakdown of key events
Goalless battle in Maiduguri
El-Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance played out a goalless draw in Maiduguri, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock.
Late drama as Sunshine Stars share points with Kano Pillars
Chidozie Iwundu gave Sunshine Stars the lead in the 59th minute, but Eshimitu Gomino struck in the 76th to rescue a draw for Kano Pillars at the Remo Stars Stadium.
Abia Warriors edge Rangers in tight contest
Ijoma Desouza’s 43rd-minute goal proved decisive as Abia Warriors edged Rangers at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Last-ninute equaliser rescues Bayelsa United
Meanwhile, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, a dramatic late goal from Ogba Ifeanyi in the 98th minute salvaged a draw for Bayelsa United after Idris Ajiya’s brace had put Nasarawa United in front.
Rabiu Abdullahi was also on the scoresheet with the equaliser that pulled the home side back into the contest.
Niger Tornadoes stun Heartland with late winner
Heartland took an early lead through Terdoo Shimagande, but Ismael Saraki’s second-half brace, including an 89th-minute winner, secured all three points for the Minna boys at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.
Stalemate between Akwa United and Rivers United
Paschal Onunze opened the scoring for Rivers United in the 9th minute, but Mare Abson equalised for Akwa United in the 57th minute at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
Lobi Stars see red as Shooting Stars force a draw
Joshua Akpan had initially scored barely 18 minutes into the game to hand the hosts the lead.
But somehow, Martin Ossy scored twice to put Lobi Stars ahead, only to be sent off in the 76th minute, missing a chance for a hat-trick as Sodiq Ibrahim’s 51st-minute goal ensured Shooting Stars earned a draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan
Ikorodu City stun Plateau United with comeback win
Albert Hilary put Plateau United ahead in the 38th minute, but Ikorodu City turned it around with two late goals from Malik Olatunji and Tosin Oyedokun to claim a 2-1 victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Katsina United overcomes Enyimba in a hard-fought battle
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Bello Lukman bagged a brace in both halves to help Katsina United secure a solid lead before Ekene Awazie pulled one back from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to help Enyimba salvage a point away from home.
Remo Stars secure late winner over Kwara United
Two late goals from the Sky Blue Stars secured a comfortable home win for Remo Stars at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
It took the home team 79 minutes of action to finally find the breakthrough after a cagey first half.
Samuel Anakwe with the ooening goal before and Hadi Haruna wrapped up the game in 4th minute of additional time.
Key takeaways after today’s matches
- Title contenders, 3SC, Rangers, Rivers Utd stumble.
- Ikorodu City come from behind again at home.
- It’s now 7 wins at home for Abia Warriors on the bounce.
NPFL Round 25 results at a glance
– El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance
– Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kano Pillars
– Abia Warriors 1-0 Rangers
– Bayelsa United 2-2 Nasarawa United
– Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Heartland
– Akwa United 1-1 Rivers United
– Shooting Stars 2-2 Lobi Stars
– Ikorodu City 2-1 Plateau United
– Katsina United 2-1 Enyimba
-Remo Stars 2-0 Kwara United
Standings: A close race for top spot
Standings: A clear struggle to avoid relegation
What’s Next?
The NPFL Round 25 dusted, next fixtures of the Nigerian League promises more exciting clashes. Rivers United will look to bounce back to winning ways while Shooting Stars aim to close the gap at the top.
At the bottom, Akwa United and Lobi Stars will be facing must-win games to avoid deeper relegation trouble.
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