The battle for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title intensified on Sunday as Rivers United and Enugu Rangers recorded emphatic victories, while Remo Stars suffered another setback on Matchday 29.
League leaders Rivers United strengthened their grip at the summit with a commanding 3–1 victory over Bendel Insurance, while Rangers produced one of the most dominant performances of the weekend with a 4–1 demolition of Remo Stars in Enugu.
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The results further tightened the title race, with several teams still within striking distance as the season enters a decisive stage.
Rangers wasted no time asserting dominance against Remo Stars. Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring in the 4th minute before Chidozie Iwundu doubled the lead just four minutes later.
Although Franck Kingue pulled one back for Remo Stars just before halftime, Rangers maintained control after the break as Wisdom Ebirim added a third in the 62nd minute. Igboke then completed his brace deep into stoppage time to seal a comprehensive 4–1 win.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United showed why they remain the team to beat this season. Chijioke Mbaoma broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a powerful header from Iyowuna Douglas’ corner.
Wisdom Samuel doubled the lead in the 81st minute before Samson Obi restored the two–goal cushion late on after Bendel Insurance had briefly threatened a comeback.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors kept the pressure on the league leaders with a solid 2–0 win over Shooting Stars, thanks to a brace from Emeka Obioma.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United edged Ikorodu City 1–0 through a late strike by Bright Amadi, while Plateau United delivered an impressive 3–0 victory against Niger Tornadoes.
At the Warri Township Stadium, Warri Wolves secured a hard-fought 2–1 win over Enyimba, with Qudus Olayinola converting from the penalty spot before Latti Yusuf added another late in the game.
Veteran forward Ahmed Musa was the hero for Kano Pillars, scoring the decisive goal in their 1–0 win against Barau FC.
Meanwhile, Kwara United picked up a valuable away victory, defeating Katsina United 2–1, while Kun Khalifat FC edged Bayelsa United 1–0.
With Rivers United maintaining their lead at the top and Rangers closing the gap, the NPFL title race promises an intense finish in the coming weeks.
Matchday 29 Results At A Glance
Enugu Rangers 4–1 Remo Stars
(Kenneth Igboke 4′, 90+4′, Chidozie Iwundu 8′, Wisdom Ebirim 62′ | Franck Kingue 45+2′)
Rivers United 3–1 Bendel Insurance
(Chijioke Mbaoma 53′, Wisdom Samuel 81′, Samson Obi 90′)
Kun Khalifat FC 1–0 Bayelsa United
(Uchechukwu Onuoha 45′)
Nasarawa United 1–0 Ikorodu City
(Bright Amadi 83′)
Plateau United 3–0 Niger Tornadoes
(Temitope Vincent 7′, Isaiah Sunday 38′, Nenrot Silas 90+2′)
Warri Wolves 2–1 Enyimba
(Qudus Olayinola 71′ pen, Latti Yusuf 76′ | Chidera Michael 90+ pen)
Abia Warriors 2–0 Shooting Stars
(Emeka Obioma 18′, 55′)
Kano Pillars 1–0 Barau FC
(Ahmed Musa 57′)
Katsina United 1–2 Kwara United
