Heartland FC stunned reigning champions Rangers International with a 2-0 victory in their Oriental Derby clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 served up pivotal results in the title race, continental fight and relegation battle.
Suraju Lawal opened the scoring for the visitors in the 21st minute before Isaac Nassy doubled the lead just three minutes into the second half.
The win marks a major boost in Heartland’s bid to avoid relegation, as Emmanuel Amuneke’s side climbed to 14th on the table with 41 points from 33 games.
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For Rangers, the result dents their hopes of a top-three finish as the drop to 8th position with 46 points.
Other NPFL Matchday 33 Results:
Abia Warriors 2-0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors secured a commanding win in Umuahia. Emmanuel Ogbuagu scored a powerful free kick just before halftime, while Antoine Ijoma added a second in the 76th minute from an Isaac Afolabi assist. Warriors and Rivers stay 3rd and 2nd place respectively on 53 and 55 points as the race for continental football heats up.
Nasarawa United 3-2 Plateau United
A five-goal thriller in Lafia saw Nasarawa United edge Plateau United. League top scorer Anas Yusuf gave the hosts an early lead, and Ugochukwu Leonard struck twice in the second half. Plateau’s goals came from Vincent Temitope and a stoppage-time finish by Sam Pam Jr.
Remo Stars 0-0 Katsina United
Remo Stars were held to a goalless draw in Ikenne, despite the result the sky blue stars extend their lead at the top to 7 points. Katsina Utd become 2nd team to take points off Remo Stars in Ikenne.
Sunshine Stars 2-1 Enyimba
Sunshine Stars continued their strong home form with a 2-1 win over Enyimba. Elmer Arunta and Waheed Adebayo scored for the hosts, while Christian Nnaji briefly leveled for the People’s Elephant.
Kano Pillars 2-0 Lobi Stars
Ahmed Musa marked his return to the starting XI with a goal in the 55th minute, while Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim converted a penalty in stoppage time to seal victory for Kano Pillars. Usman Abdallah picked his first win since returning from suspension, Lobi continue their winless run in 2025 (D5 L9),.
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Ikorodu City 3-0 Niger Tornadoes
Ikorodu City impressed at home with a 3-0 rout. Ayomide Cole netted twice and Shola Adelani added a third to keep the newcomers in the race for continental football. Oga boys have now scored 2+ goals at home in 8 straight matches.
Kwara United 0-1 Bendel Insurance
Bendel Insurance earned a crucial away win in Ilorin, courtesy of Kayode Oke’s 33rd-minute strike.
Akwa United 1-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
Kabir Osoba gave Akwa the lead with a brilliant strike in the first half but An unfortunate own goal by center back Wisdom Ndon handed El-Kanemi a point on the road. The promise keepers drop to 18 position with 38 points while Aliyu Zubairu’s boys move to 15th with 42 points.
