Rangers Int’l 1-1 Akwa United
In Enugu, reigning champions Rangers International were left disappointed after a 1-1 draw against struggling Akwa United. Osoba Kabir gave Akwa United a surprise lead in the 24th minute, but Rangers’ Isaac Saviour levelled the score three minutes into the second half. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Rangers couldn’t find a winning goal, further denting their title defence and continental ambitions as they slip to fifth on the log with 42 points from 28 matches.
Enyimba FC 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors
In Aba, Enyimba International continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors, courtesy of Joseph Atule’s 29th-minute strike that was enough for the nine-time champions to steadily climb up the table.
Heartland FC 1-1 Bayelsa United
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland FC battled a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United a result that did little to ease their relegation worries. Bayelsa United took the lead in the 54th minute through Issa Yusuf, but Heartland responded quickly when Suraju Lawal equalised just six minutes later, leaving both teams tied on 34 points and only two above the drop zone.
Nasarawa United 1-1 Sunshine Stars
In Lafia, Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars played out a 1-1 stalemate. Idris Ajiya gave Nasarawa United the lead, but nine minutes before halftime, Ahmadu Liman’s equaliser for Sunshine Stars ensured that neither side could claim all three points.
Plateau United 1-0 Abia Warriors
Plateau United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors after Olayemi Doyeni converted a penalty, a result that lifted Plateau United out of the relegation zone and into the 14th position on the log.
Kwara United 2-0 Kano Pillars
In Ilorin, Kwara United enjoyed a successful outing as they defeated Kano Pillars 2-0, with goals from Wasiu Alalade and Wasiu Jimoh boosting their hopes of finishing in the top half of the table.
Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Rivers United edged past Niger Tornadoes 1-0, with Samson Obi’s 83rd-minute goal proving decisive. Despite the win, Rivers United remain eight points adrift of Remo Stars, who currently top the table with 54 points.
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Remo Stars
NPFL leaders Remo Stars were defeated 2-1 by Bendel Insurance on Saturday, adding an unexpected twist to the title race. Remo Stars currently sit on top of the league with 54 points from 28 games.
Lobi Stars 0-1 Ikorodu City
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Ikorodu City’s remarkable debut season in the NPFL continued with a crucial away win against relegation-threatened Lobi Stars. Shola Adelani’s 81st-minute goal, following an assist from Leonard, handed Ikorodu City a valuable 1-0 victory that propelled them to third on the table with 44 points, just two behind second-placed Rivers United and ten behind leaders Remo Stars.
Katsina United 1-0 Shooting Stars
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Shooting Stars. The match was heading towards a stalemate until substitute Ahmed Taofeek scored in the fifth of the seven additional minutes, with his shot deflecting off Adelowo Gbolagade to beat Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal.
As the season intensifies, every match brings new twists and challenges. With title ambitions, continental dreams, and the fight to avoid relegation all hanging in the balance, NPFL Matchday 28 has set the stage for even more excitement in the coming weeks.
