Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) league leaders Remo Stars remain in a strong position despite a poor performance this week.
The Sky Blue Stars fell 1-0 at Nasarawa United on Wednesday with Anas Yusuf scoring the winner for the hosts to move them out of the relegation zone. Yusuf arrived at the far post to finish from a cross before the half hour mark to secure three crucial points in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
While Remo Stars' lead is no longer in the double digits, they continue to benefit from the competitive nature of Nigeria's top flight. Closest competitors Shooting Stars could only manage a 1-1 draw on Wednesday against Enyimba, the Port Harcourt based giants who are languishing in a midtable position.
Ekene Awazie's fourth goal of the campaign (video below) neutralized an opening goal from Sunshine Stars' Sodiq Ibrahim to minimize any potential ground the Ondo State club could gain on Remo Stars. In response to the result and a three-match winless streak, Sunshine Stars announced a "three-match ultimatum" to the club's coaching staff warning of consequences if things don't improve. The Akure Gunners have only earned 7 out of a possible 21 points in matches played in 2025.
Shooting Stars' poor form allowed Rivers United to leap past them into second place following a 1-0 victory over Katsina United that was completed on Friday after heavy rain forced a postponement. Former Akwa United forward Friday Ubong scored the only goal inside twenty minutes to secure victory for Rivers, who like Sunshine Stars also have a losing record in 2025.
Out of the teams who enjoyed strong first halves of the campaign, only Remo Stars have thrived in the second half and appear poised to claim their first top flight title with the season into its final third. Rivers United are nine points back in a congested group that also features Shooting Stars, Rangers International and Abia Warriors to complete the top five.
Round 26 Results
Enyimba 1-1 Shooting Stars
Kwara United 0-0 Abia Warriors
Heartland 0-0 El Kanemi Warriors
Lobi Stars 0-2 Niger Tornadoes
Nasarawa United 1-0 Remo Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Bayelsa United
Rangers International 3-0 Sunshine Stars
Kano Pillars 1-0 Akwa United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Ikorodu City
Rivers United 1-0 Katsina United
League Table (Credit: @NPFL_News/X)
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