NPFL round-up: Enugu Rangers rise to the top, Wikki Tourist sink as Kwara United and Remo Stars raise survival hopes

Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) generated drama with shocking results and major changes in both the title race and the relegation battle.

The biggest surprise came in Maiduguri, where Shooting Stars SC stunned El-Kanemi Warriors with a 2-1 comeback. John Zakka had given the hosts a lead in the 25th minute but Qamar Adegoke turned the game around by scoring the equalizer just after the restart before scoring again in the 86th minute to seal a dramatic away victory.

In Enugu, Rangers Int’l claimed bragging rights in the eastern derby, coming back from a deficit to defeat Enyimba 2-1. Wonah Williams put Enyimba ahead early in the second half but quick goals from Chidozie Iwundu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi completed a crucial turnaround for the Flying Antelopes, who sit at the top of the NPFL standings with 59 points.

Elsewhere, Remo Stars FC maintained their strong fight for survival with a dominant 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes FC, with Victor Mbaoma, Olamilekan Adedayo and Samuel Anakwe scoring in Ikenne. Abia Warriors FC also recorded a 2-1 victory against Ikorodu City FC, thanks to goals from Paul Samson and Valentine Ugwu.

Lagos-based Kwara United FC boosted their survival hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Barau FC, while Nasarawa United FC easily overcame Warri Wolves FC 3-0 in a strong performance.

In Kano, Kano Pillars FC let the game slip away to beat Rivers United FC 2-1, with Ahmed Musa scoring the winning goal in added time after the visitors’ late equaliser.

With the season nearing its end, the latest round of matches has intensified the race at both ends of the table, leaving little room for error in recent weeks.

Results of matchday 35

Plateau United 1-1 Kun Khalifat FC

Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United

Nasarawa United 3-0 Warri Wolves

Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United

Kwara United 2-1 Barau FC

Elkanemi Warriors 1-2
shooting stars

Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City

Rangers Int’l 2-1 Enyimba FC

Wikki Tourists 1-2 Bendel Insurance