Remo Stars tightened their grip on survival in the Nigeria Premier League with a crucial 1-0 victory over South-West rivals 3SC in Ikenne on Sunday. The Sky Blue Stars, who won their first-ever league title last season, earned an important win that boosted their hopes of escaping the relegation zone in the challenging 2025/26 season. With five matches remaining, Remo Stars remain in 17th place on the table with 40 points, clinging to their position by goal difference.
The game at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Ikenne was decided by Samuel Anaekwe’s solitary goal in the 49th minute. The victory marked Remo Stars’ 12th of the season, a welcome boost after a inconsistent campaign following the departure of their title-winning coach, Daniel Ogunmodede. Current coach Usman Abdallah, who took over in February, continues to strive to lead the team out of danger.
Elsewhere on Matchday 33, Kwara United strengthened their survival prospects with a comprehensive 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed, and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam each found the net to propel the Harmony Boys to 18th place with 39 points, edging closer to safety. At the bottom of the standings, Kun Khalifat’s surprising 1-0 victory against Nasarawa United thanks to a late Stanley Otu goal in stoppage time provided a vital spark. However, they remain adrift in 20th place, four points behind the safety zone.
At the top, Rangers International retained their lead atop the league standings despite a 0-0 draw against Barau FC at home. The double-edged result allowed Rivers United, trailing by four points, to close the gap after they suffered a 2-0 loss to Warri Wolves. The tied race for the title has injected excitement into the final stages of the season, with both teams still in contention.
Former champions Kano Pillars achieved a commanding 4-0 win over Bendel Insurance at the Kamwuru Stadium. A dominant display saw goals from Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu, and Bernard Ovoke secure a morale-boosting win for the Sai Masu Gida. With the final matches of the season approaching, the battle for safety and the title race will continue to grip the footballing nation.
Looking ahead, Remo Stars and other teams battling against relegation will need to maintain their focus as the league nears its conclusion. The showdowns in the next few weekends will determine the final standings and possibly the champions of the 2025/26 season. With such tight margins and spirited performances, the league’s outcome remains unpredictable, adding to the intrigue and passion of Nigerian football.
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