The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn on Matchday 32 as Rivers United climbed back to the summit following a crucial round of results, while Shooting Stars delivered a major blow to Rangers’ ambitions with a commanding home win.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat former leaders Rangers 3-1. After a quiet first half, the game came alive early in the second period when Sodiq Ibrahim struck in the 49th minute to put the hosts ahead.
Rangers responded with an equaliser in the 69th minute, briefly shifting momentum, but Shooting Stars quickly regained control. Desmond Ojietefian restored their lead with a powerful header on 78 minutes before Adams Mustapha sealed the result late on, securing a statement victory that lifts Shooting Stars into fifth place and knocks Rangers off the top.
Rivers United took full advantage in Port Harcourt, overcoming Kun Khalifat 4-2 in a lively encounter to reclaim first position. Okon Aniekeme opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but the visitors hit back soon after. Sunday Adehi then gave Kun Khalifat the lead before Rivers responded almost immediately through Iyowuna Douglas. Handsome Suverior ensured the hosts went into the break ahead, capping a frantic first half. Rivers dominated after the restart and Douglas grabbed his second in the 82nd minute to wrap up an important win that moves them to 55 points.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City kept themselves firmly in the title conversation with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Warri Wolves. Abayomi Ayodeji got them off to a fast start in the 8th minute before Joseph Arumala doubled the lead.
Warri Wolves pulled one back, but Ikorodu restored their advantage before the break through an own goal. The second half maintained the intensity, with both sides trading goals, including a penalty from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma, but Ikorodu held on despite late pressure to secure all three points.
At the other end of the NPFL table, Remo Stars earned a valuable 1-1 draw away to El-Kanemi Warriors. The hosts struck early through Adewale Yusuf, but Victor Mbaoma equalised before half-time. Remo were reduced to ten men in the second half and conceded a penalty, but survived when the effort struck the woodwork, earning a crucial point in their relegation fight.
In the Abia derby, Enyimba edged Abia Warriors 2-1 in a tightly contested clash. Chidera Michael opened the scoring before Emeka Obioma added a late second. Abia Warriors pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but Enyimba held on for the win.
Niger Tornadoes secured a late 2-0 victory over Wikki Tourists, with Abdullah Shehu converting from the spot in the 80th minute before a stoppage-time goal sealed the result. Bayelsa United were also impressive, cruising to a 4-1 win over Kano Pillars, while Katsina United earned a valuable away point in a goalless draw against Barau FC.
Earlier on Saturday, Bendel Insurance and Plateau United shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, with both sides scoring from the penalty spot in a closely fought contest. In Lagos, Kwara United boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Nasarawa United, sealed by a late penalty from Abdulsalam Abdulsalam.
With just a six games left, the NPFL title race remains wide open, while the battle for survival continues to intensify across the league.
