Late drama as Remo Stars, Shooting Stars snatch crucial NPFL wins
Late goals stole the spotlight in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday as Remo Stars and Shooting Stars both left it late to secure crucial victories in their Matchday 30 encounters.
Defending champions, Remo Stars edged Nasarawa United 2–1 in Ikenne, while Shooting Stars boosted their continental ambitions with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Wikki Tourists at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the hosts endured another frustrating first half despite Nasarawa United being reduced to ten men after Ada Umar’s dismissal. The first half ended goalless, but the Sky Blue Stars eventually found a breakthrough after the restart.
Stanley Joseph opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, reacting quickest to bundle home from a crowded goalmouth following a corner. Nasarawa United, who began the matchday in the top four, refused to back down and found an equaliser through substitute Dauda Suleiman.
However, Remo Stars had the final say. With just two minutes left on the clock, Michael Ibe rose from another corner situation to fire home the winner in the 88th minute, handing Usman Abd’Allah’s side all three points in front of their home fans.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars were also pushed to the limit before eventually overcoming Wikki Tourists in a five-goal thriller.
Sodiq Ibrahim gave the Oluyole Warriors the perfect start, opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Wikki Tourists responded through Abba Musa to restore parity, but Emmanuel Lucky struck just before halftime to put the hosts back in front.
The visitors fought back again early in the second half when John Taiwo produced a superb finish into the top corner to level the contest once more.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Shooting Stars delivered a late twist. Ayobami Junior’s dangerous corner caused problems in the Wikki defence, and Tijani Al-Ameen capitalised, scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory. The win lifted the Oluyole Warriors to fourth on the table, level on points with third-placed Nasarawa United as the race for continental spots intensifies.
Elsewhere, Kwara United and Rangers settled for a goalless draw in Lagos, while Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars also shared the spoils in another stalemate in Minna. Elkanemi Warriors and Katsina United played out a 1–1 draw in Maiduguri.
In Kano, Barau FC secured a 2–0 win over Abia Warriors thanks to a brace of free kicks from Muhammad Umar.
In Aba, Enyimba returned to winning ways with a 2–0 victory over ten-man Plateau United, ending a run of five matches without a win. Paul Odeh and Chinedu Ufere scored the goals for the former champions.
Bayelsa United also claimed an important 2–1 victory over Warri Wolves in Yenagoa, a result that moved them two points clear of the relegation zone.
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