NPFL week 27 recap: How teams in the local league performed

• NPFL Week 27 saw intense action, with teams battling it out for crucial points that impacted their standings
• Remo Stars maintain their position in the NPFL standings topping the table after 27 games
• TheRadar has compiled other match results from week 27 in the NPFL

The NPFL Match Week 27 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 27 results

Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Enyimba

Enyimba secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in their NPFL matchday 27 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, March 2. 

Despite playing with confidence following an away win at Lobi Stars, Tornadoes failed to capitalise on their momentum. Their frustration grew when Joseph Atule found the breakthrough for Enyimba in the 62nd minute, sealing the win for the former African champions.

The ‘Ikon Allah’ boys, forced to play in Lafia due to a ban on their home ground in Minna, suffered their third home defeat of the season after previous losses to Rivers United and Enugu Rangers.

Despite the setback, Tornadoes remain 10th on the NPFL table with 37 points, having secured 10 wins, seven draws, and seven losses so far this season.

Remo Stars 1-0 Plateau United

Remo Stars tightened their grip at the top of the league table with a narrow 1-0 victory over Plateau United at the Ikenne Stadium on Sunday evening, March 2. 

The league leaders faced a stubborn defensive display from the visitors but eventually found a breakthrough in the 74th minute.

Debutant Samson Olasupo marked his first appearance in style, scoring the decisive goal to hand his team a crucial three points. With the win, Remo Stars extended their lead to 12 points, reaching 54. 

Kano Pillars 2-1 Enugu Rangers

Kano Pillars continued their impressive run in the Nigeria Premier Football League with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Enugu Rangers at the General Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, , March 2.

Despite falling behind in the 33rd minute when Bashir Usman converted a penalty for the visitors, the hosts showed resilience. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali levelled the score from the spot before Jerry Alex sealed the victory in the 60th minute.

The win extended Kano Pillars' unbeaten streak to five matches, with four wins and a draw. They now sit fourth on the table with 42 points. Meanwhile, Rangers, who suffered their second defeat in five games, slipped to fifth place with 41 points.

With this result, Pillars strengthened their push for a top-three finish as the season progresses.

Bayelsa United 2-1 Bendel Insurance

Bayelsa United produced a spirited comeback to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Sunday, March 2.

The visitors struck first in the 36th minute when Kayode Oke Solomon found the net, putting Bendel Insurance in control. However, Bayelsa United responded just before halftime, with James Emo scoring the equaliser in stoppage time to restore parity.

The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Bina Tombiri fired home to complete the turnaround, securing a vital three points for the hosts.

The win lifted Bayelsa United to 15th place with 33 points, ending a four-match winless streak. Bendel Insurance, who had been in fine form, remained in eighth with 38 points.

Ikorodu City 2-0 Heartland FC

Ikorodu City continued their impressive run of form with a dominant 2-0 victory over Heartland FC at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday, March 2.

Leonard Ngenge set the tone early, finding the net in the ninth minute to give the Oga Boys an early lead. Ayomide Cole doubled the advantage in the 58th minute, sealing a crucial win.

With four victories in their last five matches, Ikorodu City climbed to sixth place with 41 points. Meanwhile, Heartland struggled again, sitting 14th with 33 points, having won just once in their last five games.

Sunshine Stars 4-2 Kwara United

Sunshine Stars reignited their survival hopes with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kwara United at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday, March 1. 

Midfielder Ahmadu Liman stole the show, netting a sensational hat-trick to guide the Akure-based side to their first win in three matches.

Liman’s brilliance, coupled with an own goal from Kwara United’s Olaniyi Saheed, secured the much-needed three points despite goals from Issa Gata and Wasiu Alalade for the visitors.

The win lifted Sunshine Stars to 18th place with 31 points, while Kwara United, still winless in their last three games, remained in 12th with 36 points.

Abia Warriors 1-1 Nasarawa United

Nasarawa United secured a vital point on the road as rising star Garba Mohammed netted his first NPFL goal in a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors on Sunday, March 2.

The Umuahia Township Stadium witnessed an intense battle, with the hosts drawing first blood in the 35th minute through Sunday Megwo’s well-placed strike. However, the visitors responded quickly, as Idris Ajiya provided a perfect assist for Mohammed to calmly finish five minutes later.

The draw lifted Nasarawa United to 31 points, placing them 17th, only surviving relegation by goal difference. Mohammed’s goal marked a breakthrough moment for the young talent.

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.