NPFL week 25: Top three remains unchanged

Fans of the NPFL expected drama in the NPFL week 25 games, but not like what happened in week 24, and it delivered on the promise of exciting football and results.

The NPFL week 25 games saw all 20 teams in action in various centres across the country with plenty of goals and exciting moments.

The midweek games saw Lobi Stars, Plateau United and Enugu Rangers as the top three teams, with many fans expecting a change in the positions, but despite the great results, things remained the same.

Lobi Stars maintained their hold at the top of the table with a win, while Plateau United and Enugu Rangers continued their pursuit of the Makurdi-based side.

NPFL week 25: Lobi Stars stay top, Rangers remain unbeaten

At the end of the NPFL week 25 games, the top three remained the same despite the varying expectations.

For many, Enugu Rangers were to lose to Kano Pillars to allow a win from either Remo Stars or Enyimba to climb into the top three.

However, the Flying Antelopes extended their unbeaten run to seven games as they came from behind to pick a point against Kano Pillars in a 1-1 draw.

Sai Masu Gida had taken the lead through Sani Mubarak in the 27th minute before Collins Ugwueze equalized in the second half.

Enugu Rangers could beat the record held by Doma United this term with a nine-game unbeaten run.

Amazing freekick!!!

Naziru Auwalu almost draws level for Rangers with a well taken free kick.

Kano Pillars 1-0 Enugu Rangers pic.twitter.com/0aOyMylRl7

— Official54fx (@54footballx) March 13, 2024

Table-topping Lobi Stars increased their lead over Plateau United to two points. The Makurdi-based side had a fierce battle with continental campaigners Rivers United.

A late goal by second-half substitute Mark Gibson only added respectability to the scoreline.

Lobi Stars had stormed to a 3-1 lead before being pegged back late on.

Plateau United had earlier secured a comprehensive victory over relegation-threatened Gomebe United.

The Jos lads beat the Savannah Scorpions 4-0 to secure their second-place position. A second-half hattrick by Silas Nenrot gave Plateau United the victory.

Mbaoma Chijioke fires blanks as Enyimba and Remo Stars remain outside the top three

The star match of NPFL week 25 was in Ikenne, where Remo Stars hosted the People's Elephant. It was a keenly contested affair, with both teams looking to return to the top three.

Enyimba held on as much as they could, but Chijioke Mbaoma fired blanks as their hosts stole a 1-0 win.

Olamilekan Adams was the star of the day as he scored the solitary goal. It is the second time this term Remo Stars will record a win over George Finidi.

The Sky Blues won the first leg in Aba by the same scoreline.

Despite the win, both teams remain in fourth and fifth place but are on 42 points with Enugu Rangers.

Shooting Stars in sole away win to climb up the NPFL table

There was only one away win in the NPFL week 25 games. Shooting Stars secured a 0-1 away win at Doma United.

The Savannah Tigers have tailed off badly despite starting the season brilliantly. For the umpteenth time, they conceded first and failed to win.

Gideon Monday's 43rd-minute goal gave the Oluyole Warriors to seventh on the NPFL log with 37 points and within touching distance of the top five.

22' Goal! We are down by a goal courtesy of Ubong Friday. Akwa Utd a minute later the second 2-0 Insurance #NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/XJ7V5oBFye

— Bendel Insurance FC (@BendelInsurance) March 13, 2024

In other NPFL week 25 games, Heartland of Owerri secured a 2-0 win over neighbours Abia Warriors. The Naze Millionaires are at the bottom of the NPFL log and are some distance from safety.

Kwara United also beat Bayelsa United by a lone goal as they aim to beat the drop. Akwa United did their quest for safety a whole lot of good with a 3-1 win over Bendel Insurance.

Sunshine Stars also recorded a 1-0 win over Katsina United, while Sporting Lagos lost by the same scoreline away to Niger Tornadoes.