Remo Stars and Kano Pillars Strengthen Survival Hopes in NPFL
Remo Stars and Kano Pillars strengthened their chances of staying in the Nigeria Premier Football League with important victories on matchday 31, easing pressure at the lower end of the table.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars rallied from behind to beat Kwara United 3-1 in a thrilling contest between two teams unexpectedly fighting relegation.
Kwara United took the lead in the 34th minute when Ibrahim Yahaya converted Junior Aimufua’s cross. The home side responded quickly, with Ahmed Akinyele equalising just four minutes later. Kwara had a chance to regain the lead before half-time, but Ini Emmanuel Okon missed a penalty in added time, keeping the scores level at the break.
Remo Stars took control after the interval, scoring twice in quick succession. Haruna Hadi struck in the 70th minute, and Victor Mbaoma added a third three minutes later to secure the comeback. The win lifted Remo Stars from 19th to 18th with 36 points, while Kwara United fell to the bottom with 33 points.
In Kano, Pillars claimed a 2-0 win over Enyimba, moving further away from the relegation zone. Chiedozie Okorie opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa doubled the lead just before half-time. The victory moved Pillars up to 14th with 39 points, while Enyimba dropped to 16th, level on points with Wikki Tourist, who occupy 17th place.
Rangers extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Daniel Itodo gave Rangers the lead in the 30th minute, and Godwin Obaje sealed the victory with a second goal in the 80th minute, temporarily moving them to the top of the table ahead of Rivers United’s match at Nasarawa United.
Elsewhere, Katsina United edged Shooting Stars 1-0, while Plateau United also won 1-0 against Bayelsa United thanks to Farouk Umar’s strike in the 50th minute. Warri Wolves and Bendel Insurance played a goalless draw in a tightly contested match.
In Owerri, Ikorodu City were held to a 2-2 draw by Kun Khalifat after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser. Joseph Arumala cancelled the hosts’ opener before Folarin Temitope put Ikorodu City ahead in the 53rd minute. Kun Khalifat were reduced to 10 men after Olanrewaju Molade was sent off, but Uchechukwu Onuoha scored deep into added time to secure a point. The draw kept Ikorodu City in contention for continental qualification while giving Kun Khalifat a valuable boost in their survival fight.
Matchday 31 concludes today with Niger Tornadoes facing Abia Warriors at Enyimba Stadium, and Rivers United traveling to Lafia City Stadium to face Nasarawa United as they aim to regain early-season form.
