Matchday 24 of the NPFL delivered thrilling encounters across the country, with Enyimba securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Rivers United in Aba to boost their continental qualification hopes, while Akwa United’s relegation worries deepened following another disappointing defeat in Ikenne.
Enyimba claimed a vital 1-0 win over Rivers United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, courtesy of a spectacular free-kick from Imo Obot in the 41st minute. This result propels Enyimba to 10th place with 34 points, strengthening their push for a top-three finish.
IMOH OBOT
What a strike from Enyimba FC’s left-back to help his side secure a crucial win in #ENYRIV!
Last season, the free-kick maestro hit the woodwork three times in a single game from set pieces.#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/kfuCgOsF9z
— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) February 15, 2025
Akwa United’s Relegation Woes Deepen
Akwa United’s battle against relegation suffered another setback as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sunshine Stars at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. Matthew Samuel’s 29th-minute strike, assisted by Waheed Adebayo, proved decisive, leaving Akwa United in a precarious position.
With this latest loss, Akwa United remain entrenched in the NPFL relegation battle, struggling to find the form necessary to escape the drop as the season enters its decisive stages.
Lobi Stars and Katsina United Share the Spoils
Lobi Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Katsina United at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi. Tope Akande fired Lobi into the lead in the 69th minute, but a late equalizer from Promise Damala ensured the visitors returned home with a valuable point.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City secured crucial away points after playing out a goalless draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia.
Plateau United Bolster Survival Hopes with Convincing Win
Plateau United took a significant step in their bid to avoid relegation with a commanding 2-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors at the New Jos Stadium in Jos. Emmanuel Ihezuo converted from the penalty spot in the 41st minute, while Olawale Doyeni sealed the win in the 81st minute after an excellent assist from Albert Hillary.
Despite the victory, Plateau United remain in 15th place with 28 points and still face a challenging fight to secure safety.
Kano Pillars Edge Past Abia Warriors
A first-half goal from Mustapha Umar in the 42nd minute was enough for Kano Pillars to earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The result lifts Kano Pillars to eighth place with 35 points, keeping them within touching distance of the top half of the table.
Kwara United Grind Out Win Against Bayelsa United
Wasiu Jimoh’s 78th-minute strike handed Kwara United a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin. The win keeps Kwara United’s continental football aspirations alive as they move up to seventh place with 35 points, while Bayelsa United remain in 14th place with 29 points.
League Standings Update
Remo Stars continue to lead the NPFL standings with 48 points from 23 matches, maintaining an eight-point gap over second-placed Shooting Stars, who have 40 points. Rivers United remain third with 38 points, followed by Abia Warriors (36 points) and Enugu Rangers (35 points), completing the top five.
Imo Obot celebrating his match winning free kick for Enyimba against Rivers united.
At the foot of the table, Sunshine Stars remain in the relegation zone with 27 points, while Akwa United and Nasarawa United sit in 18th and 19th positions, respectively. Lobi Stars occupy the bottom spot with 22 points from 24 matches.
As the NPFL season unfolds, the battle for continental qualification and the fight for survival promise more twists and turns in the coming weeks.
