Remo Stars Beat Nasarawa As Relegation Fight Continues [NPFL Matchday 30 Results]

Defending champions Remo Stars boosted their survival hopes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a dramatic 2-1 win over Nasarawa United in Ikenne on Sunday, March 15.

Michael Ibe struck in the 88th minute to hand the Sky Blue Stars their second win in three matches under new coach Usman Abdallah.

Both sides struggled to break the deadlock in the opening half, with Remo Stars dominating possession but failing to find a way through. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute when Stanley Joseph reacted quickest to a header by Ahmed Akinyele to give the hosts the lead.

The visitors looked beaten until the 83rd minute when Suleiman Dauda stunned the home crowd with a late equaliser for Nasarawa United.

Remo Stars refused to settle for a point. Five minutes later, Ibe forced the ball home during a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick to seal a vital victory.

Despite the win, the reigning champions remain deep in trouble. They sit 19th on the table with 33 points, just above bottom side Kun Khalifat FC on 32 points. Kwara United and Wikki Tourists are also caught in the relegation battle with 33 and 35 points respectively.

In Aba, nine-time champions Enyimba FC ended a frustrating five-game winless streak with a convincing 2-0 win over Plateau United.

After a quiet first half, Paul Odeh broke the deadlock in the 56th minute before Chinedu Ufere doubled the advantage eight minutes later to secure all three points.

The result lifts Enyimba to 15th on the NPFL table with 36 points, just one point above the relegation zone. Their previous league win came on February 1 when they defeated Bayelsa United 1-0.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over Wikki Tourists, with Tijani Al-Ameen scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.

Sadiq Ibrahim opened the scoring for the hosts in the 16th minute before Abba Musa levelled for the visitors in the 35th minute.

Lucky Emmanuel restored Shooting Stars’ lead before the break, but John Taiwo equalised again for Wikki Tourists to set up a tense finish. Al-Ameen eventually settled the contest with a late strike.

The victory moves Shooting Stars to 47 points, level with Nasarawa United as the race for continental qualification heats up.

At the top of the table, leaders Rivers United are set to face Ikorodu City FC in Lagos at 4 p.m. later today, March 16. The clash comes after second-placed Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United, cutting the gap at the summit to just one point.

NPFL Matchday 30 Results

Bendel 2-1 Kun Khalifat FC
El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Katsina United
Barau 2-0 Abia Warriors
Enyimba 2-0 Plateau United
Bayelsa United 2-1 Warri Wolves
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Kano Pillars
Remo Stars 2-1 Nasarawa United
Kwara United 0-0 Enugu Rangers
Shooting Stars 3-2 Wikki Tourists

Pending match:
Ikorodu City vs Rivers United (Monday, March 16: 4 p.m.)