By Matchday 31 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered another round of intense action, late drama, and shifting momentum at both ends of the table, as Enugu Rangers climbed to the summit, Ikorodu City were denied victory in stoppage time, and Remo Stars secured a second consecutive win despite their relegation struggles.
On Saturday, March 21, Wikki Tourists, currently battling relegation, played out a goalless draw against Barau FC.
On Sunday, the league featured seven matches played across different geopolitical zones in the country, all kicking off at 4:00 p.m. Warri Wolves failed to breach Bendel Insurance’s defence as the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Plateau United bounced back from their 2-0 defeat to Enyimba to edge Bayelsa United 1-0, with defender Farouk Umar scoring the lone goal.
In another encounter, third-placed Ikorodu City were held to a dramatic draw after Kun Khalifat, a club sitting bottom of the table, scored a late equaliser in the 90+9th minute. The match ended 2-2, with both sides sharing the points, leaving Ikorodu City with 49 points.
A convincing 2-0 win for Enugu Rangers over Elkanemi Warriors moved them to the top of the league with 54 points and a 17-goal difference. Shooting Stars 3SC found it difficult away from home, succumbing to a 1-0 second-half defeat to hosts Katsina United. The Ibadan side had been enjoying a three-match home winning streak before the loss and now sit fifth on the table with 47 points.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars returned to winning ways after dropping points against Niger Tornadoes in their previous outing. Ahmed Musa, former Super Eagles captain, doubled the lead for the Kano side in the first half.
Remo Stars recorded another emphatic victory, defeating Kwara United 3-1. Interestingly, despite the win, Remo Stars remain in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th position on the table with 36 points and an 18-goal deficit.
Looking ahead, Rivers United will aim to bounce back after a poor run of form, having failed to pick up a point in their last three matches. Currently sitting second on the table, they will travel to Nasarawa State to face Nasarawa United. Also, Abia Warriors will look to utilise their home advantage when they take on Niger Tornadoes.
With the season entering its decisive phase and only a handful of fixtures remaining, the race for the title, continental spots, and survival continues to intensify, leaving little margin for error as teams battle for crucial points in the closing weeks of the campaign.
