NPFL: Remo Stars, Rivers United maintain unbeaten start to the season

Remo Stars and Rivers United maintained their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after securing victories over the league’s most successful clubs, Rangers International and Enyimba, on Sunday, September 29.

Coming off two consecutive home wins against the Flying Antelopes, Remo Stars extended their dominance by defeating the defending champions 2-1 in Ikenne.

After a goalless first half marked by missed chances, the Sky Blue Stars struck first when Alex Oyowah found the net in the 50th minute. Rangers equalised just five minutes later through Agu Kenechukwu’s penalty, but Remo quickly regained control with Tochukwu Michael’s top-corner strike, which ultimately secured the win for Daniel Ogunmodede’s men and preserved their perfect start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Rivers United also extended their dominance over Enyimba, clinching a third consecutive home victory over the People’s Elephants with a 2-0 win in Port Harcourt

Ubong Friday’s 17th-minute goal set the tone for an eventful clash for the hosts before Seiyefa Jackson doubled the lead with a stunning late strike that made it three wins and a draw for Rivers in their first four matches.

The result is a mixed one for head coach Finid George whose unbeaten start with Rivers was extended with a win over his former club and assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju.

The People’s Elephants continue to struggle in Port Harcourt, having failed to score an NPFL goal there since 2018.

In other matches, Emmanuel Amuneke’s search for his first win as Heartland’s manager continued as Shooting Stars defeated the Naze Millionaires 1-0 in Ibadan.


Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium to extend their tally to three consecutive home wins over the Sai Masu Gida.

Elsewhere, Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi Warriors staged a dramatic comeback in Maiduguri, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Plateau United. Late goals from Ibrahim Mustapha and Sama’ila Bello rescued a point for the newly promoted side.

Other results saw Bayelsa United and Kwara United play a goalless draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, while Bendel Insurance held Niaja Tornadoes to a 1-1 draw at Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna. Katsina United defeated Lobi Stars 1-0 at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

On Saturday, Ikorodu City’s NPFL struggles continued at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nasarawa United. ThankGod Chilaka scored Ikorodu’s first-ever NPFL goal in the 48th minute, but it wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback, leaving Oga Boys with three defeats and one draw from four games.

After Matchday Four, Remo Stars sit two points clear at the top of the table with 12 points, with Rivers United trailing closely with 10 points. Heartland, Ikorodu City, and Lobi Stars remain in the relegation zone with just one point apiece