Matchweek 21 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) saw leaders Rivers United tighten their grip on the title race after a narrow but vital home win over defending champions Remo Stars.
Abia Warriors sustained their push at the top, while Nasarawa United returned to winning ways.
Rivers United Show Title Grit in NPFL Summit Clash
NPFL leaders Rivers United proved their title credentials with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Remo Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.
Aniekeme Okon scored the decisive goal nine minutes from time on a rain-soaked pitch, making up for several missed chances earlier in the match.
The win keeps Finidi George’s side top of the NPFL table with 41 points from 21 matches, maintaining a four-point cushion at the summit.
Abia Warriors Maintain Pressure with Away Win
Abia Warriors continued their steady rise in the NPFL title race after recording the only away win of the day. Imama Amapakabo’s men edged Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The result keeps Abia Warriors second on the table with 37 points, firmly within reach of Rivers United as the season enters a crucial phase.
Ikorodu City Stay in the Hunt
Ikorodu City bounced back from recent setbacks with a 1-0 home victory over Kwara United in Lagos.
Ezekiel Samuel struck in the fifth minute, a goal that proved enough to secure all three points. The Oga Boys now sit third with 35 points, keeping their NPFL title hopes alive.
Nasarawa United Bounce Back in Lafia
At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
Anas Yusuf opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, while Oluwaseunnla Adekunle doubled the lead nine minutes later.
Ahmed Liman pulled one back late on, but Nasarawa United held firm to claim maximum points.
Plateau United, Bendel Insurance Impress at Home
Plateau United secured a narrow 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists at the New Jos Stadium, with Vincent Temitope scoring the winner in the 52nd minute.
Bendel Insurance extended their impressive NPFL unbeaten run with a dramatic 3-2 win against El-Kanemi Warriors.
After a 1-1 first half, goals from Henry Oyian and Kayode Solomon gave the hosts control before a late scare.
Bayelsa United End Losing Run, Enyimba Held
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United snapped a three-game losing streak with a solid 2-0 win over Shooting Stars. Peter Ebimobowei scored first before Chinedu Emmanuel sealed the result in stoppage time.
Enyimba, however, were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Barau FC in Aba, failing to capitalise after the visitors were reduced to ten players in the second half.
Rangers Strike Late as Warri Wolves Cruise
Enugu Rangers claimed a dramatic 2-1 away win over Kun Khalifat, with Chidozie Iwundu scoring twice, including a stoppage-time winner.
Warri Wolves also impressed on Monday, defeating Katsina United 2-0. Second-half goals from Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma and Chisom Orji sealed back-to-back wins for the Seasiders.
NPFL Matchday 21 Full Results
Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars
Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors
Ikorodu City 1-0 Kwara United
Nasarawa United 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Plateau United 1-0 Wikki Tourists
Bendel Insurance 3-2 El-Kanemi Warriors
Bayelsa United 2-0 Shooting Stars
Enyimba 0-0 Barau FC
Kun Khalifat 1-2 Enugu Rangers
Warri Wolves 2-0 Katsina United
NPFL Table Snapshot
Top Five
Rivers United – 41
Abia Warriors – 37
Ikorodu City – 35
Nasarawa United – 35
Bendel Insurance – 32
Bottom Four
Wikki Tourists – 23
Plateau United – 23
Kano Pillars – 22
Kun Khalifat – 18
What’s Next in the NPFL Title Race?
Rivers United turn their attention to CAF Champions League duties this weekend, a window Abia Warriors will hope to exploit in Matchday 22.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle remains intense as several sides fight to escape the drop zone.