NPFL Matchday 32: Rivers United Close Gap on Remo Stars as Relegation Battle Heats Up

 The race for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title intensified on Matchday 32, with crucial results at both ends of the table setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the 2024/25 season.

Rivers United Narrow the Gap
Rivers United delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, edging out league leaders Remo Stars 1-0 in Port Harcourt. The hard-fought victory not only ended Remo Stars’ unbeaten run but also trimmed their lead at the top of the table to five points. With six rounds remaining, the title chase is far from decided.

Enyimba’s Derby Delight
In Aba, Enyimba kept their continental hopes alive with a gritty 2-1 win over regional rivals Abia Warriors. The People’s Elephant showed composure and resilience in a game filled with end-to-end action. The win sees Enyimba join a three-way tie on 46 points, alongside Enugu Rangers and Ikorodu City, intensifying the battle for the top four.

Heartland Rise in Relegation Scrap
At the bottom end of the table, Heartland FC boosted their survival chances with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars. Samuel Agu was the hero of the day, bagging a brace to move the Owerri-based side out of the drop zone into 16th place. It was a timely win for a side that has struggled for consistency all season.

Elsewhere Across the Country:

• Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers played out a goalless draw in Benin City, a result that keeps Rangers firmly in the top six.

• Niger Tornadoes comfortably beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to maintain their mid-table momentum.

• Nasarawa United secured a vital 2-0 home win against Akwa United, boosting their fight to stay up.

• Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, keeping both teams on the fringes of the top four.

• Plateau United and Kwara United could not be separated in a cagey 0-0 draw.

• Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars also settled for a point apiece in a 1-1 encounter in Makurdi.

• Katsina United and Bayelsa United closed out the matchday with a 1-1 draw that leaves both sides lingering in mid-table.

NPFL Top 8 Standings After Matchday 32:

1. Remo Stars – 60 pts

2. Rivers United – 55 pts

3. Abia Warriors – 50 pts

4. Shooting Stars – 48 pts

5. Enugu Rangers – 46 pts

6. Ikorodu City – 46 pts

7. Enyimba – 46 pts

8. Bendel Insurance – 44 pts

As the NPFL enters its final stretch, every point becomes increasingly valuable. With the title race tightening and the relegation battle heating up, fans can expect more twists in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: center kick