NPFL Matchday 25: Ikorodu City Go Top After Niger Tornadoes Win As Remo Stars Slide Further

Ikorodu City climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a composed 2-0 home win over Niger Tornadoes on matchday 25, while defending champions Remo Stars suffered another blow that left them deep in trouble.

At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday, Ikorodu City delivered a calm and authoritative display that highlighted their growing title credentials.

The result extended their fine run and strengthened their reputation as one of the league’s most consistent sides this season.

Joseph Arumala was the standout performer, scoring both goals to lift the Oga Boys to 41 points. Ikorodu are now level with Rivers United and Nasarawa United, but sit top on goal difference.

The hosts controlled the early stages and took the lead in the 33rd minute after Chidera Oparaocha was fouled inside the box. Arumala made no mistake from the spot, sending Ikorodu into the break with a deserved advantage.

Niger Tornadoes struggled to find rhythm in the second half as Ikorodu dictated the tempo and restricted their visitors to limited openings.

The win was sealed late on when Arumala struck again in the 88th minute, spinning away from his marker before driving a low shot into the corner to complete his brace.

The victory boosts Ikorodu’s push for a continental ticket, with second-placed Rivers United still level on points but holding four games in hand.

While Ikorodu celebrated at the top, Remo Stars endured another difficult outing, falling 1-0 away to Kano Pillars. Luis Dadong’s second-half goal proved decisive, handing the reigning champions their 15th defeat of the campaign.

Despite goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi saving a first-half penalty from Rabiu Ali, the Sky Blue Stars could not recover and now sit 19th on 26 points, just one above bottom-placed Kun Khalifat.

Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat strengthened their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars, days after briefly announcing a withdrawal from the league before reversing that decision.

Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers played out a goalless draw, while Plateau United edged Kwara United 1-0 courtesy of a late Sadiq Yusuf strike. Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, and Warri Wolves were held to a scoreless stalemate by El Kanemi Warriors.

In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Katsina United were locked in a dramatic 3-3 contest that was halted due to poor visibility. The match is set to resume from the 78th minute on Monday, with Katsina United reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Uche Collins.

NPFL Matchday 25 Full Results

Saturday, 7 February
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.