Remo Stars and Shooting Stars SC both secured dramatic late victories in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as the extended Matchday 30 fixtures produced thrilling encounters across the country.
Remo Stars defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 in Ikenne, while Shooting Stars edged Wikki Tourists 3-2 in Ibadan with both sides scoring decisive goals in the closing minutes of their matches.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the defending champions endured another difficult first half at home, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval. Nasarawa United were reduced to ten men during the opening half when Ada Umar was sent off, leaving the visitors with a numerical disadvantage heading into the second period.
Remo Stars eventually took the lead in the 62nd minute when Stanley Joseph reacted quickest to a corner kick situation, bundling the ball home during a goalmouth scramble to put the hosts in front.
Despite playing with ten men, Nasarawa United fought back strongly and managed to equalise when substitute Dauda Suleiman found the net to restore parity.
However, Remo Stars regained the lead in dramatic fashion late in the game. Another corner delivery caused problems for the Nasarawa defence and Michael Ibe rose to score in the 88th minute, sealing a crucial 2-1 victory for Usman Abd’Allah’s side.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars also relied on a late strike to secure a hard fought 3-2 win over Wikki Tourists at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The hosts started brightly and opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Sodiq Ibrahim. Wikki Tourists responded and levelled the match when Abba Musa found the back of the net to bring the visitors back into the contest.
Shooting Stars regained the advantage shortly before halftime when Emmanuel Lucky scored to restore the home side’s lead going into the break.
The visitors refused to give up and pulled level again early in the second half. Around ten minutes after the restart, John Taiwo produced a stunning strike that flew into the top corner to make it 2-2.
With the match heading toward a draw, Shooting Stars found the decisive moment in the closing stages. Ayobami Junior delivered a late corner that was met by Tijani Al Ameen, who scored in the 89th minute to secure all three points for the Ibadan side. The victory moved Shooting Stars into fourth place on the league table, level on points with third placed Nasarawa United and boosting their hopes of securing a continental qualification spot.
Elsewhere, Kwara United and Enugu Rangers played out a goalless draw in Lagos, while Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars also shared the points in a 0-0 result in Minna.
In Maiduguri, Elkanemi Warriors and Katsina United settled for a 1-1 draw.
Barau FC claimed a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Kano, with Muhammad Umar scoring both goals from free kicks to secure the win.
At the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Enyimba FC defeated Plateau United 2-0 to record their first league victory in six NPFL matches. Plateau United finished the game with ten men, while Paul Odeh and Chinedu Ufere scored the goals for the former champions.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United recorded a 2-1 win over Warri Wolves to move two points clear of the relegation zone.
Earlier in the round of fixtures, Bendel Insurance secured a 2-1 victory against Kun Khalifat FC. Meanwhile, league leaders Rivers United are scheduled to face Ikorodu City FC in Lagos on Monday in the final match of the NPFL matchday 30.
