The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) entered Matchday 30 with nine matches played between March 22 and 24.
Here are the top five key takeaways from the weekend’s matches, Enjoy.
Rivers United Closes the Gap on Remo Stars
Rivers United secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City, reducing the gap between them and league leaders Remo Stars to just five points.
However, this remains subject to the outcome of Remo Stars’ outstanding match against Lobi Stars in Lafia.
This win keeps Rivers United’s continental aspirations alive, having secured maximum points in their last two matches. With continued momentum, they remain in contention for the title.
Remo Stars Take a Forced Break Due to International Duty
Remo Stars did not play over the weekend as all three of their registered goalkeepers were unavailable due to international commitments.
First-choice goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole, was with the Super Eagles.
Second-choice, Bamidele Obasa, was on duty with Benin Republic.
The third-choice goalkeeper was sidelined with a wrist injury.
Due to this situation, the league body had no option but to postpone their match against Lobi Stars.
Abia Warriors Surge into the Top Three
Despite playing most of their Oriental Derby match against Heartland FC with ten men, Abia Warriors managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Owerri.
This win propelled them to third place on the league table with 47 points, having taken all nine points from their last three matches. If they maintain their current form, they stand a strong chance of securing a continental spot.
Shooting Stars Reignite Continental Ambitions
Shooting Stars delivered a dominant 3-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes, ending their opponents’ seven-match unbeaten streak.
This crucial win keeps them in fourth place with 46 points—one point behind Abia Warriors and one ahead of Rangers and Ikorodu City FC, who occupy fifth and sixth place, respectively. With just eight matches left, the battle for continental qualification is heating up.
Akwa United Climb Out of Relegation, Heartland Drop In
While the fight for continental spots intensifies, the relegation battle is equally fierce.
Akwa United took a big step toward survival with a convincing 2-0 away victory over Kwara United. They have now picked up seven points from their last three matches, climbing out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Replacing them in the drop zone is Heartland FC, who lost at home to Abia Warriors. With just 34 points, they now sit in 17th place, while Sunshine Stars and Nasarawa United, tied on 33 points, occupy 18th and 19th places, respectively.
If Heartland FC fails to improve their form, they could be relegated at the end of the season, there is plenty of rooms for improvement.
All Matchday 30 Results
Nasarawa United 1-0 Rangers
Plateau United 2-1 Kano Pillars
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Sunshines Stars
Heartland FC 0-1 Abia Warriors
Enyimba 1-1 Bayelsa United
Rivers United 1-0 Ikorodu City FC
Katsina United 3-0 Elkanemi Warriors
3SC 3-1 Niger Tornadoes FC
Kwara United 0-2 Akwa United
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