The Christmas season is a busy time for clubs in Nigeria's top tier NPFL with all clubs in action over the weekend as well as next weekend following the holiday. The table remains tight and the battle for first place became even closer following the 18th round with Remo Stars and Rivers United level on 33 points.
Playing at home on Sunday, Remo Stars struggled to find a way past Bayelsa United but Jabbar Malik scored twice in the final ten minutes for the hosts to secure a 2-0 victory. It was a deserved award for the hosts who pushed and pushed until the Bayelsa defense could hold out no longer.
Remo Stars move level with Rivers United who were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Nasarawa United. Kabir Abdullahi scored from the penalty spot in the second half for Rivers with a draw the deserved results from a fierce battle.
The most consequential result over the weekend may be an important victory away from home for Shooting Stars after the Ibadan-based club earned a 1-0 victory in Enugu against Rangers International. Ikouwem Utin's first half blast from distance gave the Oyo State side three valuable points at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Results
Kano Pillars 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Lobi Stars
Abia Warriors 2-0 Ikorodu City
Remo Stars 2-0 Bayelsa United
Rangers International 0-1 Shooting Stars
Nasarawa 1-1 Rivers United
Kwara United 1-0 Katsina United
Akwa United 2-0 Heartland
League Table
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