The 2024/2025 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season continues to deliver electrifying action, with Round 19 proving to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
From last-gasp penalties to fierce rivalries, fans were treated to a weekend of unforgettable moments.
Here’s the lowdown on NPFL round 19
Enugu Rangers Exact Sweet Revenge
In a tightly contested battle in Minna, Enugu Rangers avenged their earlier loss to Shooting Stars with a gritty 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes. Bashiru Usman’s thunderous strike in the 33rd minute was enough to secure three crucial points for the Flying Antelopes, propelling them to 31 points. Tornadoes, meanwhile, remain stuck at 24 points, struggling to find consistency.
Southwest Derbies Deliver Heart-Stopping Moments
Ikorodu City’s Late Heroics: Ikorodu City pulled off a nail-biting 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars, thanks to a dramatic penalty deep into stoppage time. The victory boosts the Lagos-based side to 28 points, leaving Sunshine Stars trailing with 22.
Shooting Stars Edge Kwara United: In another nail-biter, Shooting Stars snatched a 1-0 win against Kwara United with Adams Mustapha’s late winner in extra time. With this victory, Shooting Stars climb to 33 points, while Kwara United (23 points) still have a game in hand to turn their fortunes around.
Kano Pillars Stumble in Maiduguri
El Kanemi Warriors stunned Kano Pillars with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of Al-Amin Umar’s clinical 39th-minute goal. The result pushes El Kanemi to 29 points, while Kano Pillars, now with 25 points, will look to bounce back with a game in hand.
Katsina United Seize the Moment
Katsina United eked out a 1-0 home win over Nasarawa United, with Azeez Falolu’s 75th-minute goal making all the difference. Katsina’s victory lifts them to 23 points, while Nasarawa United languish at the bottom with just 19 points from 18 games.
Remo Stars Reign Supreme
League leaders Remo Stars continued their dominance with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Akwa United. Shuaibu Ibrahim’s early penalty and Raymond Tochukwu’s 80th-minute strike sealed the deal, keeping Remo Stars atop the table with 36 points. Akwa United, however, remain firmly rooted to the bottom with 19 points.
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Lobi Stars and Heartland Left Frustrated
In a goalless stalemate, Lobi Stars and Heartland FC both failed to capitalize on opportunities, leaving fans yearning for more. Lobi Stars sit perilously close to the relegation zone with 20 points, while Heartland remain marginally ahead with 22 points.
Round 19 Results at a Glance
- El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
- Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Enugu Rangers
- Ikorodu City 2-1 Sunshine Stars
- Katsina United 1-0 Nasarawa United
- Lobi Stars 0-0 Heartland
- Remo Stars 2-1 Akwa United
- Shooting Stars 1-0 Kwara United
What’s Next?
The action isn’t over yet! Today, Rivers United takes on Plateau United as they aim to close the gap on Remo Stars. Tomorrow, Enyimba will lock horns with Bendel Insurance in another must-watch encounter.
