Sports

NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

Published

2 months ago

December 23, 2025

NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up late goals, dramatic comebacks and crucial results at both ends of the table as the race for continental places and the survival battle gathered fresh momentum across the country.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Kano Pillars signed off their temporary exile in style with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Plateau United. Wisdom Ndon stunned the Sai Masu Gida with a 13th-minute opener for Plateau, but Mustapha Jibrin levelled matters on the stroke of half-time before Ahmed Musa struck just three minutes after the restart (48’) to seal the win. Despite the morale-boosting result ahead of their return to Kano, Pillars remain bottom with 16 points, while Plateau United sit 18th on 19 points with a game in hand.

In Ilorin, Kwara United were clinical in dispatching Bayelsa United 2–0. Second-half goals from Babatunde Bright (54’) and Ini Emmanuel (71’) ensured the Harmony Boys tightened their grip on eighth place with 24 points, while Bayelsa United continue to struggle for consistency.

A thrilling contest unfolded at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, where Bendel Insurance stunned defending champions Remo Stars 3–2 away from home. Wisdom Udom gave the visitors an early lead in the 14th minute before Henry Onyia doubled the advantage on 28 minutes. Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back for Remo Stars on 30 minutes, but Bendel restored their cushion before the break. Although Victor Mbaoma’s 61st-minute strike sparked hopes of a comeback, Insurance held firm to record a second straight away win, climbing to 10th with 23 points, while Remo Stars slipped to 15th on 22 points.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC continued their resurgence with a 2–1 win over Niger Tornadoes. Gbolagade Adelowo converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time, and Promise Awosanmi made it 2–0 in the 66th minute. Tornadoes threatened a late sting through Kufre Ebong’s 90+2’ strike, but the Oluyole Warriors held on for their second consecutive victory to move sixth on 29 points.

In Umuahia, it was late heartbreak for the visitors as Abia Warriors edged Warri Wolves 1–0, thanks to a dramatic 90+6’ penalty converted by Sunday Megwo. The crucial home win lifted Abia Warriors to third place with 30 points, while the spirited Seasiders dropped to 11th on 23 points.

Defensive solidity took centre stage in Bauchi as Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw. The result extended Wikki’s worrying run to three consecutive home games without a win, leaving them 14th on 22 points.

In Maiduguri, fans were treated to one of the games of the season as El Kanemi Warriors outlasted Enyimba 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the spot in the 29th minute, Jonas Emmanuel added another eight minutes later and completed his brace early in the second half (52’). Enyimba responded through Mohammed Hussaini (43’) and Onyebuchi Nwaorisa (76’), but El Kanemi held on to climb out of the relegation zone into 16th with 22 points.

Earlier in Enugu, Rangers International maintained their impressive home form with a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City. Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 34th minute, Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage in the 76th minute, while Rasheed Owolabi’s 90th-minute effort proved too late to rescue the visitors. Rangers remain firmly in the top five on 29 points.

At the summit, Rivers United still lead the standings with 33 points despite their recent setback, but their position could come under threat when Matchday 18 is concluded.

The round will be continued today, as Katsina United host Rivers United, before Nasarawa United welcome Barau FC on Tuesday in Lafia.

NPFL Matchday 18 Results:

Remo Stars 2–3 Insurance