Midweek action in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) saw nine matches played across various centers. Here are the key highlights and implications from Matchday 31 in this week’s edition of things to know in the NPFL
Remo Stars Move Closer to a Historic Title
Remo Stars resumed league action after the international break with a crucial victory, bringing them closer to securing their first-ever NPFL title.
The team was strengthened by the return of their first and second-choice goalkeepers, along with head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who was away on international duty.
On Thursday, Remo Stars secured a 2-0 home win over Enyimba at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with goals from Olamilekan Adebayo and Samson Olasupo in either half, ending Enyimba’s five-match unbeaten run.
This victory restored their eight-point lead at the top of the table, bringing their tally to 60 points. With eight matches remaining, the Ikenne-based club needs just 16 more points from a possible 24 to be crowned NPFL champions for the first time in their history.
Akwa United Climbs Out of the Relegation Zone
For the first time this season, Akwa United moved out of the relegation zone after building on their away victory over Kwara United with a 2-0 home win against Niger Tornadoes in Uyo.
March has been a steady month for Akwa United, as they remain unbeaten with three wins and one draw. This strong run helped them climb out of the relegation zone.
With 37 points and seven matches to go, their fate is now in their own hands. However, the relegation battle remains intense, with Nasarawa United, Heartland, and Sunshine Stars close behind with 36, 35, and 34 points, respectively.
Abia Warriors Pull Away from the Continental Chasing Pack as Rangers, Shooting Stars Stumble
Abia Warriors boosted their continental aspirations with a 2-0 victory over Lobi Stars on Matchday 31, creating a three-point gap from their closest rivals in the race for third place.
The third position guarantees a continental football spot next season, and Abia Warriors’ hopes were further strengthened as Rangers and Shooting Stars dropped valuable points.
Shooting Stars squandered a two-goal lead against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, settling for a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Rangers suffered the shock of the week, falling 1-0 at home to Plateau United, dealing a major blow to their continental ambitions. The defending champions are now five points behind Abia Warriors with seven matches remaining.
With a strong winning streak, Abia Warriors have demonstrated consistency and determination to secure the final continental spot. However, with Shooting Stars just three points behind at 47, the battle remains fierce.
Ikorodu City FC vs. Katsina United Postponed
Ikorodu City FC was unable to add to their points tally as their Matchday 31 fixture against Lobi Stars was postponed due to the unavailability of their home ground, Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The stadium hosted the South West Games throughout the week, leading to the postponement. This adds to the number of outstanding fixtures in the league, giving Ikorodu City FC additional time to rest and prepare as they continue their push for a historic continental qualification in their debut season.
Lobi Stars Extend Losing Streak
Lobi Stars FC are edging closer to relegation as their poor form continues. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Abia Warriors on Matchday 31, marking their 17th loss of the season.
They have now lost all their matches in March, earning zero points while extending their winless run to 14 games. With just 23 points from 30 matches (5 wins, 8 draws), their chances of survival look bleak, and relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) seems inevitable with eight matches remaining.
