A Weekend of Thrills, Drama, Sackings, and Unyielding Passion in the NPFL
By Tolu Oguntimehin
What an electrifying weekend of football across the nation! Week 24 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up a spectacle of grit, determination, and sheer drama, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. From stunning home victories to hard-fought draws, the league is heating up as clubs scramble for every precious point. In Nigerian parlance, “jungle don dey mature!”—the battle is intensifying, and the stakes have never been higher.
At the top of the table, the title race is taking on a life of its own. While Remo Stars have been tipped as runaway champions, Shooting Stars (3SC) have thrown a spanner in the works, adding a fresh twist to the chase. Gbenga Ogunbote, the seasoned tactician, is determined to finally lay his hands on the elusive NPFL title, a feat that has evaded him throughout his illustrious managerial career. On the other hand, Daniel Ogunmodede is eager to shed the label of a “nearly man” and lead Remo Stars to their maiden league triumph. Meanwhile, Finidi George and Fidelis Ilechukwu remain firmly in the mix, refusing to bow out of the title conversation just yet.
But the story doesn’t end there. Abia Warriors have emerged as dark horses, eyeing a continental spot in the absence of Enyimba, who are surprisingly struggling to keep pace this season. The Warriors’ resurgence has added yet another layer of intrigue to an already captivating campaign.
The weekend’s action was nothing short of breathtaking. Remo Stars’ impressive eight-match unbeaten run, dating back to December 8, 2023, was brought to a halt by Enugu Rangers in a thrilling encounter. Isaac Savior, Rangers’ talisman, once again proved his worth with a decisive goal, followed by Kingsley Maduforo’s strike. Sikiru Alimi’s late consolation goal for Remo Stars in the 89th minute wasn’t enough to salvage a result, but the Sky Blue Stars remain perched at the summit of the log.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars stumbled in Owerri, falling 2-1 to their hosts, while Rivers United’s momentum took a hit after a disappointing loss to Enyimba. The People’s Elephant, despite their struggles following a disappointing CAF Confederation Cup exit, managed to grind out a 1-0 victory thanks to Imoh Obot’s 42nd-minute strike.
In Kano, the Pillars were made to sweat for their 1-0 win over a spirited Abia Warriors side. Despite the absence of star players Ahmed Musa and Abba Adam, who has been in scintillating form with five goals in four matches, Umar Mustafa’s 42nd-minute goal proved decisive, keeping Kano Pillars in the hunt.
Plateau United fans experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in Jos. The gloomy faces at the New Jos Stadium soon turned to jubilation as Emmanuel Ihezuo and Olawale Doyeni found the back of the net, securing a crucial 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. The victory eased the pressure on coach Mbwas Mangut, who had been under fire following an ultimatum from the club’s management.
Kwara United’s resurgence under Tunde Sanni continued unabated, as they climbed to 7th on the log with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bayelsa United. Bayelsa’s manager, Isah Ladan Bosso, was left ruing missed chances, but Kwara’s newfound resilience under Sanni has been nothing short of remarkable.
In Bauchi, Lobi Stars’ woes deepened as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United, further compounding their relegation fears. Nasarawa United’s struggles also persisted, as they played out a goalless draw against Ikorodu City. The result spelled the end for coach Kabiru Dogo, who was swiftly replaced by the experienced Salisu Yusuf. Whether Yusuf can turn their fortunes around remains to be seen, but time is running out.
In the relegation dogfight, Sunshine Stars dug deep to secure a vital 1-0 win over Akwa United, who are also mired in the drop zone. Meanwhile, in Benin City, Bendel Insurance put on a masterclass, thrashing 10-man Niger Tornadoes 3-0. Julius Emiloju, Uche Collins, and Kayode Oke Solomon were the heroes on the day, delivering a performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the league.
As the NPFL season hurtles towards its climax, one thing is certain: the drama, passion, and unpredictability of Nigerian football are in full swing. Every match, every goal, and every point could be the difference between glory and heartbreak. Buckle up, football fans—this is just the beginning!
