- NPFL Week 16 saw intense action, with teams battling it out for crucial points that impacted their standings
- Remo Stars overtakes Rivers United and Enugu Rangers in the NPFL standings to top the table after 16 games
- TheRadar has compiled other match results from week 16 in the NPFL
The NPFL Match Week 16 didn’t disappoint, serving up thrilling victories, surprising comebacks, and key performances that reshaped the league standings. Here’s a rundown of the most captivating games from last weekend:
NPFL matchweek 16 results
Nasarawa United 1-0 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United secured a much-needed victory, edging out Lobi Stars 1-0 in a fiercely contested North Central derby on Saturday, December 7. The match's lone goal came in the 12th minute, courtesy of Qamal Adegoke, who notched his second strike of the season to seal the win.
Having suffered a 3-2 defeat to Heartland FC the previous week, the hosts showed remarkable determination to bounce back. This victory marks their second win in their last five matches, though they’ve also endured three defeats during this period.
Sunshine Stars 0-1 Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars clinched an important 1-0 away win against Sunshine Stars in an intense South West derby held at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Saturday, December 7.
The game's defining moment came in the 28th minute when Otakho Aghahowa found the back of the net, securing the Oluyole Warriors' first away win of the season. This victory also broke their poor run in South West derbies, following defeats to Ikorodu City and Remo Stars.
Under Gbenga Ogunbote's guidance, Shooting Stars achieved consecutive league wins for the first time this season, reflecting an upswing in their form.
In contrast, Sunshine Stars’ struggles continued as they extended their winless streak to three matches, heightening the urgency for a much-needed revival.
Plateau United 3-2 Heartland
Plateau United pulled off a stunning comeback to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory over Heartland FC on Matchday 16. The home side took an early lead when Sunday Anthony expertly nodded in a goal from Daniel Itodo’s signature long throw.
Heartland responded emphatically, turning the game on its head with a quick double from Tobi Iyanda in the 53rd and 57th minutes, briefly putting the visitors in control.
Undeterred, Anthony struck again in the 69th minute to restore parity. Mafeng Pam emerged as the hero, netting a dramatic late winner to secure all three points for Plateau United in an exhilarating clash.
Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United
Kano Pillars edged out neighbours Katsina United with a narrow 1-0 win in the North-West derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Abba Adam’s crucial goal in the 34th minute sealed victory for the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ boys.
The result marked Pillars' first home win of the season, having temporarily hosted games in Katsina State due to renovations at their home ground.
Abia Warriors 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Abia Warriors claimed a 2-1 triumph over Niger Tornadoes in a tightly contested match in Umuahia.
Ijoma Antoine opened the scoring for the home side in the 29th minute, while an unfortunate own goal by Tornadoes' Ernest Onyeka in the 69th minute doubled their lead. The visitors managed a consolation goal in stoppage time as Ahmed Family converted a penalty, but Abia Warriors held firm to secure the victory.
Bayelsa United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Bayelsa United ended Ikorodu City’s impressive six-game unbeaten streak with a gritty 1-0 win at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Rabiu Abdullahi netted the decisive goal in the 79th minute, earning a crucial three points for the Prosperity Boys. The victory lifts Bayelsa United to 10th place on the table with 21 points, narrowing the gap to just three points behind fourth-placed Ikorodu City, who stay on 24 points.
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Rivers United
Enugu Rangers secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rivers United in a tightly contested clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Collins Ugwueze’s precise strike in the 16th minute proved decisive for the home side.
The victory strengthens Rangers’ grip on third place in the league table, bringing their tally to 27 points from 16 games. Rivers United, sitting second in the standings, struggled to penetrate the disciplined defence of their hosts.
Having scored just three goals in their last five matches, Rivers United lacked the attacking edge needed to challenge Rangers and saw their impressive four-game unbeaten run come to an end.
Remo Stars 2-0 El Kanemi Warriors
Remo Stars climbed back to the top of the table with a dominant 2-0 win over El Kanemi Warriors at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, December 8.
Peter Onuoha opened the scoring in the 31st minute, expertly converting Kolawole Oladipo's precise pass. Despite the relentless pressure, El Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Adebiyi Obassa, produced several brilliant saves to keep his team within reach.
The home side extended their lead just before halftime, with Franck Mawuena nodding in a pinpoint cross from Ibrahim Abubakar. Mawuena came close to doubling his tally in the 64th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the mark. Late in the match, Obassa once again denied the visitors, preventing them from finding a late consolation goal.
Akwa United 1-1 Bendel Insurance
Akwa United and Bendel Insurance, both battling near the bottom of the table, settled for a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought contest. Chijoke Alaekwe gave Akwa United an early lead in the 16th minute, igniting the home fans’ hopes.
Bendel Insurance, however, struck back in the 30th minute through Stanley Okoroma’s equaliser, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Despite the result, Akwa United remains rooted in 19th place, while Bendel Insurance stays 18th on goal difference, with both sides level on 16 points.
NPFL Spotlight: Rangers FC secures sponsorship deal worth 200 million naira
Previously, TheRadar reported that Enugu Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, set a new standard in sponsorship deals with a groundbreaking agreement for their sleeve sponsorship ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
The deal, valued at an impressive N100,000,000 per season over the next two years, represented a substantial investment in the club’s future ambitions, particularly as they prepared to compete in the CAF Champions League.
