Remo Stars’ Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title hopes received a significant boost on Wednesday as their main challengers, Shooting Stars and Enyimba, suffered damaging defeats, Soccernet.football reports.
Second-placed Shooting Stars saw their impressive unbeaten run come to an abrupt halt in Ilorin, where they fell 2-0 to Kwara United.
Meanwhile, former champions Enyimba endured another frustrating outing, losing 1-0 to relegation-threatened Bendel Insurance in Benin.
Kwara United 2-0 Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars’ impressive streak came to an end at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin, where Kwara United outclassed them with a dominant display.
The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Muhammed Kabiru capitalized on a well-delivered cross to head past the goalkeeper. Shooting Stars, struggling to cope with Kwara United’s attacking intensity, went into the break trailing by a goal.
Determined to turn things around, the visitors introduced fresh legs at halftime, bringing on Binuyo Lookman and Samuel Ayanrinde.
Despite a more energetic start, they failed to break down Kwara United’s disciplined defence. Instead, the home side doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through Abdullahi Ojifinmi, sealing a crucial victory.
| 57’ mins
— Tranzeet tv (@Tranzeetfootie) February 12, 2025
GOAL!!!!
Abdullahi Ojifinni double the lead for the Harmony boys.
Kwara United 2:0 Shooting Stars#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/it8D9li0RB
Shooting Stars’ late attempts to stage a comeback proved futile, with substitutes Godwin Odibo, Ephraim Nwachukwu, and Mustapha Lawal unable to inspire a turnaround. Next up, they face Heartland FC in Owerri on Sunday.
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Enyimba
Enyimba’s hopes of reclaiming the NPFL crown suffered another setback as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Having already lost to Akwa United over the weekend, Enyimba were desperate for a response.
However, their struggles continued as Kayode Solomon netted the decisive goal in the 55th minute. Despite the People’s Elephants’ late onslaught, Bendel Insurance’s resilient defence held firm.
It was a night of celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Wednesday as both Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens were victors.
— JOKANOLA (@BjJokanola) February 12, 2025
Insurance set the tone for the evening with a win over Enyimba in their rescheduled Matchday 20 clash. #NPFL25 #BENENY #NWFL25 #EDQNAS pic.twitter.com/Vv2ZBOUH61
The defeat sees Enyimba drop to 10th place, 17 points adrift of league leaders Remo Stars with 15 games left to play.
Their battle for continental football also hangs in the balance, with Shooting Stars and Rivers United currently occupying the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup spots.
For Bendel Insurance, the victory provides a crucial boost in their fight for survival, lifting them to 15th place, four points above the relegation zone.
With an 8-point advantage over second-place Shooting Stars, Remo Stars look on course to win their first-ever NPFL title.
