NPFL Matchday 22 Wrap: 3SC Winning Streak Ends as Remo Stars Hold Firm at the Top

 

Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) featured two draws and several identical 2-0 scorelines, shaping the league standings in a crucial weekend of action. Here’s a rundown of the key moments from the fixtures.

 

Remo Stars Stay Top with Away Victory

 

Remo Stars secured a hard-fought 2-1 away win over struggling Sunshine Stars. First-half goals from Alex Oyowah and Ibrahim Abubakar gave the visitors a comfortable lead. Junior Nduka provided a brilliant assist for Abubakar’s first goal of the season.

 

Anas Yusuf Shines as Nasarawa United Triumph

 

Anas Yusuf continued his impressive goal-scoring form, netting a brace in Nasarawa United’s 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes. His season tally now stands at 13 goals, making him the clear leader in the Golden Boot race with a five-goal cushion over the nearest competitor.

 

Heartland Defeat Rivers United in ‘Game of Legends’

 

In a clash between two Nigerian football legends, Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland FC defeated Finidi George’s Rivers United 2-0. Christian Molokwu opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick from 18 yards before Joel Okoro doubled the lead. Notably, Molokwu has now scored in both fixtures against Rivers United this season.

 

Kano Pillars’ Inconsistency Continues

 

Kano Pillars have struggled for form, managing just one win in their last three matches. In response, the club’s management, led by Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has suspended Technical Adviser Usman Sheriff Abdallah, seeking a turnaround in fortunes.

 

Plateau United Ends 3SC’s Winning Run

 

Shooting Stars’ remarkable eight-match winning streak came to an end as Plateau United held them to a 1-1 draw in Jos. Tijani Kabir put the hosts ahead with a stunning long-range strike before Albert Hillary equalized for 3SC. Notably, this was the first goal Shooting Stars conceded since November 2024.

 

Abia Warriors Secure Home Victory Over Akwa United

 

Abia Warriors earned a 2-0 victory against Akwa United in Umuahia. Anthony Ijoma opened the scoring with a well-taken goal from Ayodele Ezekiel’s cross, while Sunday Ogunjimi sealed the win in stoppage time from a Megwo Sunday assist. Akwa United remain bottom of the table with just 20 points.

 

Upcoming Fixtures and Remaining Matchday 22 Games

 

• Rangers International FC will look to return to winning ways when they host Ikorodu City FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Chinemerem Ugwueze secured Rangers’ first away win of the season when both teams met earlier.

• Bendel Insurance FC will face Katsina United on Monday.

• Enyimba will travel to Bauchi to take on Lobi Stars in the final Matchday 22 fixture.

 

NPFL Matchday 22 Results

• Plateau United 1-1 Shooting Stars

• Nasarawa United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes

• Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa United

• Heartland FC 2-0 Rivers United

 

The NPFL title race remains intense, with teams battling for crucial points as the season progresses.