NPFL matchday 36: Rangers and Rivers United maintain title momentum

The quest for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title has reached a fever pitch heading into the final fortnight, as matchday 36 saw heavyweights Rivers United and Enugu Rangers secure indispensable victories.

In fixtures contested across the federation on Sunday, Rangers tightened their hold on the summit of the standings following a clinical 2-0 away triumph over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. The Flying Antelopes struck in each half to guarantee the maximum points, ensuring they remain in pole position with 62 points from 36 outings.

Simultaneously, second-placed Rivers United dismantled Abia Warriors in a 3-0 rout. Wasiu Falolu, Timothy Zachariah, and Bello Babatunde were all on the scoresheet for the “Pride of Rivers,” leaving Finidi George’s formidable side a mere point adrift of the leaders with a tally of 61 points.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars ascended into third place following a pulsating 3-2 victory over Nasarawa United. Lucky Emmanuel’s rapid-fire brace within the opening 24 minutes gave the hosts early momentum before JoFrank Istifanus and Habibu Alakija fought back to restore parity for the visitors. However, Qamar Adegoke eventually turned hero, netting the decisive goal for the “Oluyole Warriors” just 13 minutes from the final whistle.

The Battle for Top-Flight Survival in NPFL

The defending champions, Remo Stars, saw their aspirations of escaping the relegation zone suffer a significant setback, as nine-time champions Enyimba bolstered their own survival prospects with a 2-1 home win in Aba. Although Remo Stars snatched an early advantage through Victor Mbaoma in the 21st minute, veteran winger Stanley Dimgba levelled proceedings seven minutes later, before Chidera Michael struck the winner in the 49th minute.

Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat FC successfully navigated their way out of the bottom three of the NPFL, courtesy of a spirited 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars. After a deadlocked first half, Mmesoma Nnorom broke the stalemate for the hosts, only for Luis Dadong to find an equaliser for Pillars in the 85th minute. In a breathless finale, Oghenetega Ebetomame fired home a dramatic winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time.

In other NPFL results, Warri Wolves edged Plateau United 1-0 in Ozoro, facilitated by a decisive 60th-minute strike from Tejiri Emonena. Meanwhile, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Barau FC recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors, with the goals provided by Sunday Anthony, Henry Ezeonye, and Joseph Atule.

Full Matchday 36 Results: NPFL

Barau FC 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Niger Tornadoes 2-2 Kwara United

Enyimba 2-1 Remo Stars

Bayelsa United 0-2 Enugu Rangers

Rivers United 3-0 Abia Warriors

Kun Khalifat 2-1 Kano Pillars

Warri Wolves 1-0 Plateau United

Shooting Stars 3-2 Nasarawa United