NPFL: Michael Ibe rescues Remo Stars as 3SC edge five-goal thriller vs Wikki Tourists

Eight matches were played across Nigeria on Sunday afternoon as the Matchday 26 action of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) delivered drama, late goals, and important changes at both ends of the table, Afrik-Foot reports.

The biggest moment of the day came in Ikenne, where Michael Ibe scored late to give Remo Stars a crucial victory over Nasarawa United. The win could prove important in the battle to avoid relegation.

Remo Stars took the lead in the 62nd minute through Stanley Joseph, who struck after Nasarawa United had already been reduced to ten men earlier in the match. The visitors went a man down in the 38th minute, which made their task even more difficult.

Despite playing with ten men, Nasarawa United fought back strongly. Their determination paid off late in the game when Suleiman Dauda equalised in the 83rd minute to silence the home fans.

Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Remo Stars pushed forward one more time. A corner kick caused confusion inside the Nasarawa penalty area, and Michael Ibe reacted quickest in the scramble to bundle the ball into the net.

The late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for the home side.

The win is very important for the defending champions. They started the day at the bottom of the table, but the three points lifted them to 19th place, above Kun Khalifat. They are now three points away from safety, giving them renewed hope in the fight to stay in the top flight.

Elsewhere, Bayelsa United also celebrated a home victory, defeating Wolves 2-1 in another entertaining contest.

NPFL: Shooting Stars win Ibadan thriller as Enyimba secure vital victory

One of the most exciting matches of the afternoon took place in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars defeated Wikki Tourists 3-2 in a thrilling encounter filled with goals.

The home side opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim found the back of the net to put Shooting Stars ahead.

Wikki Tourists responded well and drew level in the 35th minute through Abba Musa, who made it 1-1.

Just before the break, Shooting Stars regained their lead. Lucky Emmanuel scored in the 44th minute to send the home fans into halftime celebrations.

However, the visitors were not finished. Wikki Tourists again fought back after the break, and John Taiwo scored in the 53rd minute to level the score. With the match looking like it might end in a draw, Shooting Stars found a late winner. Tijani Al-Ameen struck in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Ibadan side.

The win lifted Shooting Stars to joint third place on 47 points, the same tally as Nasarawa United, strengthening their push for a top finish this season.

In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors and Katsina United shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Uche Collins gave Katsina United the lead in the 41st minute, but just three minutes later Daddy Abdulrahman equalised for the home side.

Barau FC enjoyed a comfortable afternoon at home with a 2-0 win over Abia Warriors. Mohammad Umar was the star of the match, scoring twice. He opened the scoring in the 9th minute and then doubled the advantage in the 30th minute to complete his brace.

Another important result came in Aba where Enyimba defeated Plateau United 2-0 in a clash between two former Nigerian champions. Paul Odeh put Enyimba ahead in the 56th minute, before Chinedu Ufere added the second goal eight minutes later.

The victory helped Enyimba climb out of the relegation zone, a vital step as several clubs around them also collected valuable points on the day. Two other matches ended without goals. Niger Tornadoes played out a 0–0 draw with Kano Pillars, while Kwara United were also held to a goalless draw by second-placed Rangers.

With only eight rounds left in the season, the NPFL table remains tightly contested, with fierce battles developing both in the race for the title and in the fight to avoid relegation.