NPFL: Remo Stars win first round; Rangers stun Tornadoes in Minna

Remo Stars edged hard-fighting Akwa United 2-1 to emerge winners of the first round of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with 36 points from 19 matches.

However, Rivers United with 33 points and an outstanding match against Plateau United can dislodge Remo Stars if they win with at least four goals without conceding any.

In the week 19 match played yesterday in Ikenne, Akwa United suffered an early setback when Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim put Remo Stars in front from the spot in the 3rd minute before Osoba Kabir drew the visitors level in the third minute of first half stoppage time

On resumption, Remo Stars piled pressure on Akwa United and were rewarded with the winning goal when Raymond Tochukwu restored their lead in the 81st minute.

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Title holders, Enugu Rangers recorded their second away win of the season against Niger Tornadoes in Minna where Bashiru Usman scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute.

The early kickoff in Maiduguri, saw Umar Al Amin scoring in the 38th minute for El-Kanemi Warriors to inflict a 1-0 defeat on Kano Pillars while Heartland compounded Lobi Stars’ relegation woes as they forced the ‘Pride of Benue’ to a scoreless draw at the Lafia Township Stadium.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City recorded a controversial 2-1 victory over struggling Sunshine Stars. Shola Adelani gave Ikorodu City the lead in the 39th minute but three minutes into the first half stoppage time, Chigozie Iwundu found the equaliser for Sunshine Stars.

However, six minutes into second half added time, a penalty was awarded to the host and Rivio Ayemwenre converted after Sunshine Stars players’ remonstration that lasted for several minutes.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Falolu Azeez’ goal in the 73rd minute handed Katsina United the maximum points against relegation troubled Nasarawa United just as 3SC retained their third position on the log with a hard earned 1-0 win over Kwara United in Ibadan.

In the week 19 match played on Saturday, Abia Warriors ended Bayelsa United’s home invincibility with a 1-0 victory at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.