NPFL Matchday 15: Remo Stars return to winning ways as Rivers United retain top spot

Remo Stars won their first match in four attempts on Matchday 15 of the 2021/22 NPFL season when they defeated Katsina United 2-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The Sky Blue Stars were beginning to feel the heat of the NPFL as they lost three consecutive games, momentarily knocking them off their perch. The newly-promoted side responded with a 2-0 win over the Changi Boys in front of their returning fans in Ikenne. A goal from Tolulope Ojo and a penalty from Andy Okpe in the second half gave Gbenga Ogunbote’s men all three points.

Rivers United retained leadership of the NPFL log after their Matchday 15 win over Nasarawa United by a 2-1 scoreline in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Akuneto opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season before Ishaq Rafiu Kayode scored his 10th of the season in the NPFL to make it 2-0. Michael Tochukwu scored a consolation goal in the second half for the Solid Miners.

Plateau United maintained the gap between themselves and NPFL log leaders Rivers United at only one point after a 3-0 bashing of defending champions Akwa United in Jos.

Much of the build-up to the match was dominated by Akwa United midfielder Seth Mayi proposing to his girlfriend in the stadium, but Plateau United were in no mood to show love to the champions.

Silas Nenrot opened the scoring for the Peace Boys after only six minutes of the clash before second half goals from Buhari Ibrahim and Chimezie Izuchukwu sealed the points for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s boys.

MFM FC boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars in the Southwestern Derby at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. A late goal from Muyiwa Alade Balogun gave the Church Boys maximum points. They remain bottom of the standings.

Kwara United continued their good form with a 1-0 win at home to Niger Tornadoes in front of a packed Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin. Alao Danbani scored the only goal of the game in the 19th minute to lift his side to 5th on the NPFL log.

Wikki Tourist defeated Gombe United 1-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. It took a second-half goal from Manu Garba to secure all three points for Wikki Tourist.

Heartland continued their brilliant record against rivals Enyimba with a 1-0 win on Matchday 15 of the 2021/22 season in Owerri. Murphy Ndukwu scored the lone goal for the Naze Millionaires in the Oriental Derby clash.

Enyimba are yet to score, let alone win, against Heartland since 2016. Their last win over Heartland was in 2014. The People’s Elephant have slipped down to seventh in the NPFL standings.

Abia Warriors defeated Shooting Stars 2-1 in their NPFL Matchday 15 clash in Okigwe. Lukman Bello opened the scoring for the Umuahia Landlords inside two minutes of the match before Shooting Stars equalised through Olafimihan Gafar from the penalty spot in first half added time. Kalu Nweke scored the winner for the home side in the 74th minute of the game.

Dakkada FC took a huge step towards safety in the NPFL with a 2-1 win over Lobi Stars in Uyo. Yusuf Yusuf gave the home side the lead after only four minutes before Ifeanyi Ogba drew the visitors level after 26 minutes. Dakkada youngster Emmanuel Ayaosi scored the winner in the 86th minute to give the Chosen Ones the three points at home.

Rangers and Kano Pillars were inseparable at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi as they played out a goalless draw in their NPFL Matchday 15 clash.