DDM – The Nigeria Premier Football League delivered another dramatic round of fixtures on Sunday, as defending champions Remo Stars suffered a stunning home defeat, while former champions Rangers International secured a narrow victory against Ikorodu City in Enugu.
According to DDM, the biggest surprise of the weekend unfolded at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where Remo Stars were beaten 3–2 by Bendel Insurance in an action-packed encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Bendel Insurance announced their intent early in the match, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Wisdom Ndon, whose clinical finish silenced the home crowd.
The visitors doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark when Chinedu Nwosu found the net, capitalising on defensive lapses from the champions.
Remo Stars responded quickly, as Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back just two minutes later, restoring hope for the home side and shifting momentum briefly in their favour.
However, Bendel Insurance regained a two-goal cushion five minutes before halftime when an unfortunate own goal by Henry Onyian compounded Remo Stars’ woes and sent the visitors into the break with renewed confidence.
After the restart, Remo Stars pressed aggressively in search of an equaliser, and their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Victor Mbaoma reduced the deficit again, setting up a tense finale.
Despite sustained pressure and attacking substitutions, the champions were unable to find the decisive third goal, as Bendel Insurance held firm to claim a famous away victory.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors edged Warri Wolves 1–0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium in a tightly contested match decided deep into stoppage time.
Sunday Megwo emerged as the hero, calmly converting a penalty late in the game to secure all three points for the home side.
At the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, Kwara United recorded a convincing 2–0 win over Bayelsa United, with goals from Babatunde Bright and Ini Emmanuel sealing a comfortable victory.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars continued their impressive home form with a 2–1 win against Niger Tornadoes at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Gbolagade Adelowo opened the scoring from the penalty spot late in the first half, while Promise Awosanmi doubled the lead midway through the second period.
Former U-23 Eagles striker Kufre Ebong pulled one back for Niger Tornadoes in stoppage time, but it proved too little, too late.
Meanwhile in Enugu, Rangers International maintained their push up the table with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City.
Goals from Godwin Obaje and Christian Nwobodo gave Rangers a commanding lead before Rasheed Owolabi struck in added time to reduce the deficit.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, with both sides cancelling each other out in a cagey affair.
The results further underline the unpredictable nature of the NPFL this season, as title contenders, mid-table teams, and relegation battlers continue to trade blows across the country.