Ikorodu City Go Top After Niger Tornadoes Win As Remo Stars Slide Further
Ikorodu City Takes Top Spot in NPFL with Solid Win; Defending Champions Remo Stars Struggle
Ikorodu City ascended to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings following a decisive 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday. The win marked matchday 25 of the season and showcased Ikorodu’s growing aspirations for the league title.
Joseph Arumala emerged as the key player for Ikorodu, scoring both goals that elevated the team to 41 points. They are now tied with Rivers United and Nasarawa United, but lead the table on goal difference.
Ikorodu demonstrated control from the onset, taking the lead in the 33rd minute when Chidera Oparaocha was fouled in the penalty area. Arumala converted the penalty, sending his team into halftime with a deserved advantage.
The second half saw Niger Tornadoes struggle to find their rhythm, as Ikorodu maintained control and limited their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Arumala sealed the win with his second goal in the 88th minute, skillfully evading a defender before finishing with precision.
This victory enhances Ikorodu’s chances for a continental qualification, although second-placed Rivers United remains in contention with four games in hand.
In stark contrast, defending champions Remo Stars faced another setback, losing 1-0 against Kano Pillars. A second-half goal by Luis Dadong proved to be the match-winner, marking the 15th defeat of the season for Remo. Despite a first-half penalty saved by goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi, the Sky Blue Stars are currently in 19th place with 26 points, just one point above last-placed Kun Khalifat.
Kun Khalifat bolstered their survival efforts with a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars, following a brief announcement of withdrawal from the league that they later reversed.
In other matches, Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers played to a goalless draw, while Plateau United edged Kwara United 1-0 with a late goal from Sadiq Yusuf. Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United finished in a 1-1 draw, and Warri Wolves were held to a scoreless tie by El Kanemi Warriors.
In Bauchi, the match between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United ended in dramatic fashion with a 3-3 scoreline before being suspended due to poor visibility. The match will resume at the 78th minute, with Katsina United down to ten men following the dismissal of Uche Collins.
NPFL Matchday 25 Full Results
Saturday, February 7
Bendel Insurance 2-0 Enyimba
Sunday
Kano Pillars 1-0 Remo Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
Ikorodu City 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Warri Wolves 0-0 El Kanemi Warriors
Abia Warriors 0-0 Enugu Rangers
Nasarawa United 1-1 Bayelsa United
Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 Shooting Stars
Wikki Tourists vs. Katsina United
Match suspended at 3-3 due to poor visibility, to resume from the 78th minute.
