Nigerian football fans were thrilled with the thrilling outcomes from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 33 games decided on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Recall that the league was put on hold for one month to allow CAF Confederation Cup quater-finalists, Rivers United to prosecute their outstanding matches.
On its resumption, the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed thrilling encounters as hostilities resumed in the ongoing 2023/2024 season, with surprising results reverberating across various match venues in the country.
Defending champions, Enyimba FC, showcased their title-defense prowess with an impressive away triumph in Umuahia against Abia Warriors. Bernard Ovoke emerged as the hero, netting a solitary goal off the bench in the 72nd minute to secure victory for Enyimba. This crucial win propelled them to the second spot on the league table with 56 points, trailing league leaders Rangers International by four points.
READ MORE: Rangers excite Flavour in dominant performance against Bayelsa United
In a surprising upset in Lafia, Akwa United stunned Lobi Stars with a 2-1 victory on enemy turf, shattering Lobi Stars’ unbeaten home record. This victory not only lifted Akwa United out of the relegation zone but also signaled their resurgence in the league.
History was etched in Port Harcourt as Seiyefa Jackson, the 2024 NPFL U-17 league champion and Golden Boot winner, marked his debut for Rivers United in grand style against Sporting Lagos. Jackson’s presence was immediately felt as he found the back of the net, contributing to Rivers United’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Sporting Lagos.
In other noteworthy developments, Wasiu Alalade’s lightning-fast 18-second goal against Remo Stars has now been recognized as the fastest goal scored in the ongoing NPFL season. This remarkable feat occurred as Kwara United emerged victorious in a pulsating five-goal thriller against Remo Stars, elevating them to the 11th position on the league standings.
In Enugu, Nigerian music sensation, Flavour Nabania entertained excited fans as Rangers International defeated Bayelsa United 3-0 to close-in on the league title.
NPFL Match Day 33 Results:
- Lobi Stars 1-2 Akwa United
- Katsina United 2-2 Shooting Stars
- Abia Warriors 0-1 Enyimba FC
- Kano Pillars 3-1 Doma United
- Rangers 3-0 Bayelsa United
- Kwara Utd 3-2 Remo Stars
- Rivers Utd 4-1 Sporting Lagos
- Sunshine Stars 0-0 Bendel Insurance
- Heartland FC 3-0 Gombe United
- Plateau United 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
