Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered thrilling action across the country, with the spotlight firmly on the Oriental Derby in Aba, where Enyimba International came from behind to defeat rivals Abia Warriors 2-1.
The visitors stunned the Aba faithful in the 21st minute when Antoine Ijoma gave Abia Warriors the lead with a composed finish.
But Enyimba, buoyed by their home support, responded quickly. Kalu Nweke leveled the score in the 36th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
The comeback was completed in the 66th minute when Joseph Atule struck decisively, ensuring all three points stayed in Aba.
Anthony Ijoma’s GOAL against Enyimba today π₯π#ENYABI #Warriors βͺ#abiawarriors pic.twitter.com/h0kOpF5w7S
β Abia Warriors FC (@AbiaWarriors) April 6, 2025
Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, it was a top-of-the-table showdown between second-placed Rivers United and league leaders Remo Stars.
The Sky Blue Stars had early opportunities to go ahead, with Adedayo Olamilekan (25′) and Samuel Anakwe (55′) both missing clear chances.
READ MORE:NPFL 2025: Ilechukwu reflects on Rangers draw with Insurance, sets sights on oriental derby
Tochukwu Raymondβs curling free-kick in the 60th minute also came agonizingly close.
But it was the home side that found the breakthrough in the 85th minute. A pinpoint delivery from Taiwo Abdulrafiu was met by a towering header from Boluwaji David, giving Rivers United a crucial 1-0 win.
Despite the defeat, Remo Stars remain top of the table with 60 points and a game in hand, while Rivers United, coached by Finidi George, stay in the hunt with 55 points.
Other NPFL Matchday 32 Results:
Tornadoes 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Mohammed Hussaini 33β, Ahmed Family 90+β (PEN)
Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Johnmark Aule 55β β Ahmadu Liman 11β
Katsina United 1-1 Bayelsa United
Lukman Bello 77β β Abdullahi Rabiu 44β
Plateau United 0-0 Kwara United
Nasarawa United 2-0 Akwa United
Ugochukwu Leonard 2β, Abubakar Garba 85β
With just six games to go, the 2024/2025 NPFL season is reaching a thrilling climax. Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Rangers, and Enyimba are all firmly in the race for continental places.
At the other end of the table, the fight for survival is just as fierce, with Nasarawa United, Akwa United, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars all locked in a tense battle to avoid the drop.
