NPFL Matchday 22: Weekend Results In As Remo Gets Advantage In Title Race.
Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League has provided a dramatic twist in the title race, with six games full of goals, nail-biting moments, and unexpected results over the weekend.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United edged past Niger Tornadoes with a 2-0 win, thanks to a clinical brace from Anas Yusuf. Meanwhile, a hard-fought goalless draw between Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium added further intrigue, as both sides shared the spoils in a tightly contested encounter.
Not to be outdone, Abia Warriors secured a confident 2-0 victory over Akwa United at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Ijoma Desouza broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, with Samuel Christian sealing the win in stoppage time, boosting the Warriors’ campaign and adding an unexpected twist to the weekend’s action.
In a stunning upset, Heartland dealt a blow to Rivers United in Owerri by winning 2-0. Goals from Christian Molokwu and Joel Okoro ensured the hosts took all three points, further complicating Rivers United’s title aspirations and contributing to the series of surprises witnessed this weekend.
The heated Southwest derby in Ikenne saw league leaders Remo Stars triumph over Sunshine Stars 2-1. Alex Oyowah opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a well-directed header from Sikiru Alimi’s cross, and Ibrahim Abubakar doubled the lead 20 minutes later with a composed lob over the goalkeeper following an incisive pass from captain Junior Nduka. Although Matthew Samuel pulled one back for Sunshine Stars in the 67th minute, Remo Stars maintained their dominance, sitting comfortably at the top with 45 points from 22 games and eight points clear of their challengers.
Completing the weekend’s twist came in Jos, where Shooting Stars managed to extend their unbeaten run to seven games despite settling for a 1-1 draw against Plateau United. Tijani Kabiru put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute, only for Plateau United’s Albert Hilary to equalise two minutes later. Even with the dropped point, Shooting Stars remain in a strong position, currently second on the table with 37 points from 21 matches.
The Matchday 22 will be completed later today as the following fixtures rollout
This collection of results has thrown the title race in favour of Remo Stars and underscored the unpredictable nature of the NPFL, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of action as fortunes continue to twist and turn.