The 2024 NPFL season just delivered one of its most dramatic matchdays yet. From a surprising 5-1 thrashing of Abia Warriors to crucial away victories and relegation dogfights, every corner of the league was buzzing with action.
Katsina United 5-1 Abia Warriors: Shock and Awe in Ilaro
Katsina United produced the most shocking result of the round, demolishing high-flying Abia Warriors 5-1. This same Katsina side that lost 6-0 to Ikorodu City earlier in the campaign has turned their season around — drawing away to Remo Stars and now dominating a team chasing continental qualification.
Early strikes from Said (2nd min) and Lukman (3rd min) rocked Abia. Though Antonie (11th min) pulled one back, Nura (56th), Lukman again (59th), and Taofeek (90+3) sealed a ruthless win. Abia Warriors, with this loss, have slipped out of the top continental qualification spots.
Enyimba 2-1 Kano Pillars: Too Little, Too Late?
Nigeria’s most successful club, Enyimba International, earned a solid win over Kano Pillars with goals from Atule (35’) and Ideye (48’) at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. Despite the victory, the 49-point mark with just four matches to go may not be enough for continental qualification. Akpesiri scored for Pillars in the 81st minute, but it wasn’t enough.
Lobi Stars 2-4 Rangers International: Relegation Confirmed for Lobi
Rangers were clinical as they dismantled already-relegated Lobi Stars. Playing on Lobi’s adopted ground, Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu, Rangers showed hunger and quality. With 49 points, they are one slip away from returning to the continent.
Elkanemi 1-1 Ikorodu City: Debutants Daring to Dream
What a season it’s been for Ikorodu City. The NPFL debutants have now gone 12 matches with only one loss and stretched their unbeaten run to four. Away in Maiduguri, Solomon (42’) gave Elkanemi hope, but Bello (45’) equalized just before the break. With this result, Ikorodu City are pushing to bring continental football back to Lagos State.
Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Bayelsa United: Mid-Table Stalemate
A penalty from Williams (38’) put Tornadoes ahead, but Abdullahi (79’) drew Bayelsa level. Both teams remain dangerously close to the drop zone, despite sitting mid-table.
Heartland 0-0 Kwara United: Missed Opportunity
Heartland FC failed to capitalize at home with a goalless draw in Owerri. With 42 points, they’re back in relegation waters after showing signs of climbing out. The pressure is back on.
Plateau United 1-0 Akwa United: Desperate Times for Akwa
Temitope’s 22nd-minute goal gave Plateau United breathing space. Akwa United, however, find themselves in serious relegation trouble with just 38 points from 34 matches. A miracle is needed for survival.
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Rivers United 1-0 Sunshine Stars: Keeping the Title Chase Alive
A late winner from Suleiman (84’) helped Rivers United maintain their Champions League slot. If catching up with Remo Sars, the league leader, is an uphill task, they will ensure that neither Ikorodu City nor Abia Warriors wrestles the second Champions League slot away from them.
Shooting Stars 0-1 Remo Stars: Steady at the Summit
Oyowah’s 30th-minute goal gave Remo Stars a slim but crucial win. They now hold a 7-point lead over Rivers United and remain firm favourites for the NPFL title. If Remo Stars beat Niger Tornadoes next week and Rivers fall to Kano Pillars, the league could be over with three games to spare. The Oluyole Warriors fans would be disappointed that their league will end again without any continental slot. Just like last season, they came so close, yet very far.
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Nasarawa United: Continental Dreams Fade
Garba (42′) gave Nasarawa United a lead, but Enaruma (74’) equalized for Insurance. That draw boosted Nasarawa’s survival hopes, while Insurance’s hopes of playing in continental football have now dimmed.
