The race for continental tickets and survival in the Nigeria Premier Football League took another dramatic twist on Matchday 35, with Enyimba claiming bragging rights in the Oriental derby and Akwa United dealing a major blow to Ikorodu City’s ambitions.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enyimba reignited their push for a late continental spot with a 2–1 victory over Rangers International. First-half goals from Gabriel Innocent and Ekene Awazie put the People’s Elephant firmly in control. Although Chidozie Okorie pulled one back for the Flying Antelopes in the second half, Enyimba held on to secure a crucial three points. The win lifts them to fifth place with 52 points, just one behind Ikorodu City in the race for third.
Ikorodu City’s hopes suffered a major setback in Uyo, despite Wisdom Ubani putting the visitors ahead in the 19th minute. Akwa United responded strongly, with Uche Sabastine equalizing in the 31st minute before Kabir Osoba completed the comeback in the 76th, handing the Promise Keepers a 2–1 victory.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors seized the opportunity to strengthen their grip on the sole CAF Confederation Cup ticket. They comfortably beat Shooting Stars 3–1 in Umuahia, with first-half goals from Ojonugwa Adejoh and Antoine Ijoma, and an early second-half strike from Sunday Megwo. Although Alex Aghahowa pulled one back for the visitors, it was merely a consolation. Abia Warriors now sit at 56 points, just two shy of second-placed Rivers United with three games remaining.
At the summit, Remo Stars continued their march towards a historic first NPFL title. Olamilekan Adedayo’s late goal secured a 1–0 win over Niger Tornadoes, moving the Sky Blue Stars to 68 points. Rivers United, who lost 2–0 to Kano Pillars, remain second with 58 points and are now focused on securing the second CAF Champions League slot.
The battle for survival also heated up. Sunshine Stars boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a 2–0 win over Katsina United, courtesy of a Waheed Adebayo brace. However, they remain level on 41 points with Akwa United, separated only by goal difference.
Akwa United’s victory over Ikorodu City was equally vital in their own relegation fight, as they stay in 18th place but have given themselves a fighting chance with just three matches to play.
In Gombe, Nasarawa United edged Heartland 1–0 thanks to league top scorer Anas Yusuf’s goal in first-half stoppage time. The Solid Miners climbed to 13th with 46 points, while Heartland remain in deep relegation trouble with 42 points, needing a miracle to stay up.
Bayelsa United also earned a crucial 2–1 home win against El-Kanemi Warriors. Goals from Mustapha Jawad and Eyong Ofem, either side of an El-Kanemi penalty, moved the Restoration Boys into ninth place. El-Kanemi Warriors, now on 43 points, are still not mathematically safe and face a daunting task against champions-elect Remo Stars on Matchday 37.
Elsewhere, Kwara United and Plateau United secured important wins to solidify their mid-table status. Kwara United thrashed struggling Lobi Stars 4–0 in Ilorin, with goals from Wasiu Alalade, Junior Aimufua (twice), and Issa Gata. The defeat marked Lobi Stars’ 20th loss of the season — the worst record ever for a former league champion.
