NPFL Midweek Matches: Shooting Stars, Rivers United Secure Vital Wins
Two crucial Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) rescheduled matches produced dramatic outcomes on Wednesday, reshaping the league standings as both home teams emerged victorious in tightly contested affairs.
In a passionate South West derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars edged past Remo Stars 1-0, while Rivers United clinched a last-gasp 1-0 victory against struggling Kano Pillars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The Ibadan clash showcased Shooting Stars’ tactical superiority, with Ismail Ayodele continuing his fine form by netting the decisive goal in the 35th minute – his second consecutive scoring appearance. The hosts dominated the midfield battle and maintained their defensive organization despite Remo Stars’ increased pressure in the second half through counter-attacks.
This victory propelled Shooting Stars to fifth position with 23 points, matching Niger Tornadoes and Abia Warriors but maintaining an advantage on goal difference. Their opponents, Remo Stars, now find themselves in 13th place with 19 points after 15 matches, facing mounting pressure to improve their form.
The Port Harcourt encounter appeared headed for a stalemate until Boluwaji Shomade broke the deadlock in the 90th minute. Rivers United had controlled much of the play against a defensive Kano Pillars side that seemed content to settle for a point before the late breakthrough.
The result strengthens Rivers United’s title challenge, moving them to 26 points from 13 matches and maintaining their grip on third place. They now sit just one point behind joint leaders Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United (27 points each), with two games in hand that could prove crucial in their championship pursuit.
For Kano Pillars, the defeat compounds their difficulties at the bottom of the table, where they remain with nine points, their situation further complicated by an earlier three-point deduction.
The midweek results have intensified the competition at the top of the NPFL table while adding new dimensions to the various battles being fought across the league positions.
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