Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a thrilling round of fixtures, with decisive results at both ends of the table as the title race tightened and the relegation battle took another twist ahead of a scheduled two-week break.
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At the summit, Rangers International surged into first place following a crucial 2–1 victory over oriental rivals Enyimba FC.
Second-half goals from Chidozie Iwundu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi overturned an earlier strike by Wonah Williams, lifting Rangers to 59 points and putting them firmly in control heading into the break.
Former leaders Rivers United slipped to second after a dramatic 2–1 defeat away to Kano Pillars.
Veteran forward Ahmed Musa sealed the comeback win deep into stoppage time after Abdullahi Musa had cancelled out Handsome Surveyor’s late goal.
Elsewhere in the top-four race, Abia Warriors edged Ikorodu City 2–1 to stay firmly in contention, while Shooting Stars SC boosted their continental hopes with a 2–1 away win over El-Kanemi Warriors thanks to a brace from Qamar Adegoke.
In the relegation battle, Remo Stars produced one of the standout performances of the round, thrashing Niger Tornadoes 3–0 to climb out of the drop zone. Goals from Victor Mbaoma, Olamilekan Adedayo, and Samuel Anakwe secured a vital lifeline.
Nasarawa United also boosted their survival hopes with a convincing 3–0 win over Warri Wolves, while Bendel Insurance picked up a crucial 2–1 away victory against Wikki Tourists.
One of the most entertaining fixtures saw Katsina United edge Bayelsa United 3–2 in a five-goal thriller, a result that leaves Bayelsa still hovering dangerously close to the relegation places.
With just a few rounds left, the stakes continue to rise across the board.
The league will now pause for two weeks to accommodate President Federation Cup commitments at state level, setting up a tense run-in when action resumes.
As the season heads into its final stretch, the title race, continental qualification battle, and relegation scrap remain wide open—promising even more drama when the NPFL returns.
Results at a Glance (Matchday 35)
Kano Pillars 2–1 Rivers United
Nasarawa United 3–0 Warri Wolves
Kwara United 2–1 Barau FC
Rangers International 2–1 Enyimba
Abia Warriors 2–1 Ikorodu City
Remo Stars 3–0 Niger Tornadoes
Plateau United 1–1 Kun Khalifat
Wikki Tourists 1–2 Bendel Insurance
El-Kanemi Warriors 1–2 Shooting Stars
Katsina United 3–2 Bayelsa United
