Remo Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat against Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, bringing an end to their nine-game unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day 24.
Isaac Saviour broke the deadlock for Rangers on the hour mark, curling a stunning free-kick into the net from 25 meters out. Kingsley Maduforo then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 49th minute, finishing off a well-timed assist from Kenneth Igboke.
Despite the defeat, Remo Stars dominated large spells of the game, creating several chances, but Sikiru Alimi, Nduka Nworie, Ebenezer Mawuena, and Tochukwu Nnadi were unable to convert their opportunities.
Saviour Isaac Rangers highest goal scorer this season.
The visitors eventually pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Harun Hadi, who capitalized on a defensive mix-up inside the Rangers’ box. However, in the 93rd minute, Rangers almost sealed the win in style when Godwin Obaje struck the woodwork with a powerful effort.
Saviour blasts in a stunning free-kick to double the lead, living up to his name by saving the team once again!#RANREM #NPFL25#GloryDays #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/xKIMW7oGUB
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) February 16, 2025
Despite the loss, Remo Stars remain top of the table with 48 points, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Shooting Stars (3SC) with 40 points. Rangers, meanwhile, climb to third place with 38 points, just two points behind 3SC ahead of Matchday 25.
Remo stars head coach Ogunmodede is hoping to win the club’s first ever league title despite losing to Rangers
Heartland Edge Shooting Stars in Owerri
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Heartland secured a 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars.
The hosts took the lead after 30 minutes when Chukwuma Agor’s effort, initially heading toward goal, took a decisive deflection off a defender to beat goalkeeper Lawal.
Shooting Stars found an equalizer in the 80th minute, as Adam Mustapha converted from the penalty spot. However, Heartland regained the advantage late in the game through John Bassey, who was initially denied from the spot by Lawal. The referee, citing an infringement by the goalkeeper, ordered a retake, and Bassey made no mistake the second time.
Heartland, led by former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke, move to 12th position with 32 points, while Shooting Stars remain in second place with 40 points, just two points ahead of Rangers in third.
Bendel Insurance Dominate Niger Tornadoes
In Benin City, Bendel Insurance cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
Julius Emiloju opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving the home side an early advantage. The visitors’ troubles worsened just before halftime when goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo received a straight red card, forcing Tornadoes to sacrifice an outfield player for substitute keeper Yusuf Mohammed.
Insurance made their numerical advantage count in the second half, with Uche Collins doubling the lead in the 55th minute, before Kayode Oke sealed the win in the 76th minute.
It was a dominant performance from Bendel Insurance, who made light work of their short-handed opponents.With the win, Bendel Insurance move up to 10th position with 34 points, while Niger Tornadoes drop to 13th with 31 points.