Matchday 30 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered drama across the country, with Akwa United finally securing their first away win of the season in Ilorin, while Rivers United kept their title ambitions alive with a last-gasp winner against Ikorodu City.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars ended their seven-game winless streak, Abia Warriors claimed bragging rights in the Oriental Derby, and Enyimba’s struggles in front of goal continued.
Akwa United Finally Break Away Jinx
Akwa United took full advantage of a first-half red card to claim their first away win of the campaign at the Ilorin Township Stadium.
The Promise Keepers, unbeaten in their last four matches (three wins, one draw), moved up to 17th place with 34 points, keeping their survival hopes alive.
The hosts suffered an early setback when Segun Adekunle was sent off in the 24th minute for a professional foul. Akwa quickly capitalized, with Kabir Osoba slotting home a rebound two minutes later to give them the lead.
Uyo, Nigeria, 13th October, 2024, Akwa United vs Kano Pillars , NPFL 2024/2025. Credit: Victor Modo
Uche Sabastine sealed the win in the 73rd minute, ensuring Akwa United finally ended their season-long wait for an away victory.
Rivers United Leave It Late to Stay in Title Race
Rivers United kept their NPFL title hopes alive with a dramatic 1-0 win over Ikorodu City at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Stephen Manyo struck deep into stoppage time (97th minute) to secure all three points for Finidi George’s men.
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The victory sees Rivers United cut Remo Stars’ lead at the top to just five points, although the league leaders still have a game in hand. With eight matches left, Rivers remain in the hunt for their second NPFL title.
Shooting Stars Return to Winning Ways in Style
After enduring a dreadful seven-game winless streak, Shooting Stars (3SC) roared back to life with a commanding 3-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Ayodeji Bamidele opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Anthony Okachi doubled the advantage from the penalty spot just before halftime.
Sunday Williams pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 65th minute, but Samuel Okon restored 3SC’s two-goal cushion in the 77th minute.
The much-needed win propels Gbenga Ogunbote’s men to 4th place with 46 points, keeping them in the race for continental football next season.
Abia Warriors Win Oriental Derby, Heartland Suffer Another Blow
In Owerri, Abia Warriors stole the show in the Oriental Derby, edging relegation-threatened Heartland 1-0. Ojonugwa Adejoh netted the decisive goal in the 81st minute with a sublime free-kick.
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Despite going down to 10 men following Emmanuel Ogbuagu’s red card in the 57th minute, the Warriors held on for a crucial win that lifts them to 3rd place, strengthening their bid for continental football.
Enyimba’s Goal-Scoring Woes Continue
Record NPFL champions Enyimba once again struggled in attack, failing to make home advantage count in a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United in Aba.
Ekene Awazie put Enyimba ahead in the 8th minute, but Ifeanyi Ogba equalized immediately (9th minute) to frustrate the hosts.
Ekene Awazie. ( Photo Credit X)
The result leaves Enyimba 8th in the table with 43 points, putting their chances of securing continental qualification in serious doubt.
What’s Next?
With just eight matches left in the NPFL season, the battle at both ends of the table is heating up. Rivers United will keep pushing to close the gap on Remo Stars, while Akwa United’s away win could be the spark they need to avoid relegation.
