Remo Stars return to top of NPFL after 2-0 win over Kano Pillars

Leaders Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne regained the top of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, defeating former champions and hosts Kano Pillars.

The 2023/2024 runners-up were knocked out on Saturday by another former champion, Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, who defeated hosts Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in Lafia.

However, Remo Stars restored their place with a 2-0 win in Kano just 24 hours later, bringing their total to nine points from three games.

The league leaders won thanks to goals from Sodiq Ismail (26th minute) and Frank Mawuena (60th minute), maintaining their perfect record thus far.

Remo Stars have an unbeatable record, having scored five goals without conceding in three meetings.

Four of the goals have come from two 2-0 away wins, with the other coming in their sole home game thus far.

Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna are also on the rise, defeating hosts Plateau United 2-1 in Jos to climb into third place behind Rivers United, who have seven points.

Kufre Ebong put them up in the 17th minute, and he added a brace in the fourth minute of extra time.

Plateau United’s lone goal was scored a minute later by Sam Pam.

Rivers United and Niger Tornadoes have seven points from three matches apiece, with four goals from two victories and one tie.

However, Rivers United has only conceded one goal thus far, while Niger Tornadoes has conceded two.

Sunshine Stars FC of Akure could only draw 0-0 at home in Ijebu-Ode against Abia Warriors of Umuahia, moving into fourth position with four points.

After Match Day 3, they are barely ahead of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, who defeated hosts Nasarawa United 4-3 in Lafia the previous day.

Both the Sunshine Stars and the El-Kanemi Warriors have four points, but the former has a greater goal difference, while the latter has played one fewer match.

Heartland FC of Owerri, Ikorodu FC of Lagos, Bayelsa United of Yenagoa, and Lobi Stars are in the bottom half of the standings, ranging from 20th to 17th with one point each.

Also, Kwara United of Ilorin, Bendel Insurance of Benin, and reigning champions Rangers International of Enugu have one point apiece and are ranked 16th to 14th, respectively.