Remo Stars fall in Kwara, as Rangers open four points gap on NPFL log

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 saw exciting performances and shocking results, as clubs returned to action following the one-month break that saw Rivers United clear their accumulated fixtures.

The early kick-off between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes ended in a goalless draw, as the Minna-based team remains winless in their last four matches.

Fidelis Ilechukwu-led Enugu Rangers were the biggest winners on Sunday, as the table-toppers secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United, courtesy of Godwin Obaje’s brace and Chiedozie Okorie’s 68th-minute strike at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The victory not only took Rangers four points clear on the log summit—after Remo Stars fell on the road— but it also resulted in their fourth consecutive home victory over Bayelsa.

It was a bad day in office for Daniel Ogunmodede, as Remo lost 3-2 to Kwara United at the Kwara Sports Stadium in Ilorin. Despite being without their season’s top scorer Emmanuel Ogbole, the whistle had barely been blown when the Afonja Warriors shocked the Sky Blue Stars who are perhaps still in a celebratory mood over the maiden invitation of their defender—Sodiq Ismail— to the Super Eagles camp.

24-year-old Wasiu Alalade breached Remo’s defence around the 18th second to record one of the fastest goals in the NPFL before Isaiah Ejeh doubled the home team’s lead in the 45-minute. Ahmed Akinyele scored his goalkeeper to make it 3-0 in the 85th minute, rendering Franck Mawuena and Dayo Ojo’s late strike useless in the face of a comeback.

Rivers United who were far from impressive during their rescheduled fixtures (4L, 1W, 1D), were brilliant at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, as Andy Okpe scored a brace in their 4-1 victory over Sporting Lagos.

Defending champions Enyimba kept it late against Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium, as Bernard Ovoke’s 72nd-minute strike ensured coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s tenure started on a bright note.

The victory took the People’s Elephants level on points with Remo (56), as both teams continue to trail Rangers who are now on 60 points with five games left to go.

Other Matchday 33 results across the nation:

Katsina United 2-2 Shooting Stars
Sunshine Stars 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Heartland 3-0 Gombe United
Lobi Stars 1-2 Akwa United
Kano Pillars 3-1 Doma United