Ten matches were played in the pen- ultimate weekend to the end of the first half break in the 2024/2025 NPFL as Matchday 18 produced some interesting results.
Read Also: Buruj Academy Sends Seven Rising Stars to European Clubs in January 2025
Here are the highlights of what makes the NPFL Matchday 18 tick as we present another episode of the five things to know in the NPFL.
Enyimba Returns
Enyimba FC finally makes a return to the league after missing consecutive three Matchdays due to continental engagement.
The nine times Nigerian champions, played goalless draw away to Plateau. United to continue to win less streak in all competitions to nine.
It’s not a good time for Enyimba. Goal scoring has been the problem coach Yemi Olanrewaju must solve as quickly as possible as no team wins a game without scoring.
Enyimba has been poor lately. Their season both on the continent and domestically is a huge source for their fans.
Shooting Stars Joins Title Race
Shooting Stars of Ibadan traveled to Enugu and came back all the goodies in the bag, courtesy of 1-0 over the defending champions.
This makes it four wins in the last five for the Oluyole Warriors, gathering a total 13 points out of possible 15.
The famous victory in Enugu takes Shooting Stars to number 3 on the log, three points behind joint leaders, Remo Stars and Rivers United.
Shooting Stars are a tile contender, judging by the discipline of the team in their last four matches, the team won two games, and keeping clean sheets in all.
Keeping this level of efficiency will win them the league, coach Ogunbote and his boys should focus, stay in lane, and get set for the title race.
Coach Bala Abubakar Starting on a high
Coach Abubakar Bala resume with Sunshine Stars FC on Matchday 18, and started on a high by defeating El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 at the Dipo Dina Stadium.
The results put a stop to the free fall of Sunshine Stars of Akure, having gone six matches with any point.
The result took, Sunshine Stars to 21 points as they break away from the relegation zone.
A moment of respite for the Owena Whales, a good way to start for coach Abubakar Bala, but it’s not Uhuru, as he needs a consistent repeat of the magic.
Musa Returns With Fire
Prior to Matchday 18, Ahmed Musa missed Kano Pillars’ last two matches due to illness.
He returned to lead the team last weekend against Niger Tornadoes and he a got 94 minutes winner to send the thousands of fans at the Sanni Abacha Stadium into derillium.
Ahmed Musa proved once again that class is permanent. He led the team to a safe haven when he was needed most, and delivered without the presence of many key players due to injury and CHAN qualifier assignment in Ghana
Ikorodu City FC back to default settings?
Ikorodu City FC lost to Abia Warriors 2-0 on Sunday, to make it no win in their last three matches.
This is the first time they will not win a game there since after Matchday 6, after coach Bright Ozegbagbe vacate his seat for coach Nurudeen Aweroro.
Coach Nurudeen and backroom staff moved mountains with the club as they moved from number 20 to number 5 with a space of 10 Matchdays.
With just a point out of the possible nine, Ikorodu City FC quickly needs to find a solution before the team returns to their early season form in the league.
Matchday 18 Results
Kano Pillars 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Elkanemi Warriors
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Lobi Stars
Kwara United 1-0 Katsina United
Rangers 0-1 Shooting Stars
Abia Warriors 2-0 Ikorodu City FC
Remo Stars 2-0 Bayelsa United
Akwa United 2-0 Heartland
Nasarawa United 1-1 Rivers United
