Late drama, comebacks, and continental dreams define NPFL Matchday 35
The Nigeria Premier Football League served up another thrilling chapter on Sunday, as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Bendel Insurance delivered statement victories on the road to shake up the race for continental places.
In Maiduguri, Shooting Stars showed resilience and character, coming from behind to defeat Elkanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Elkanemi Stadium. The Oluyole Warriors, still smarting from a frustrating goalless draw against Kwara United, fell behind when John Zakka fired the hosts ahead midway through the first half. But the game turned on its head after the break, as substitute Qamar Adegoke emerged the hero, netting twice to seal a crucial away win. The result lifts 3SC back into fifth place, with back-to-back home fixtures awaiting them when the league resumes in May.
Bendel Insurance matched that feat in Jos, edging Wikki Tourists 2-1 in a tightly contested encounter. Emmanuel Dung stunned the hosts with an early third-minute opener, but Wikki responded through leading scorer Jonathan Mairiga, who grabbed his 11th goal of the season. However, just ten minutes into the second half, Efe Ubiomo struck what proved to be the winner, pushing Insurance firmly into the conversation for a continental finish.
At the summit, Rangers reaffirmed their title credentials with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Enyimba in the Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. After a quiet first half, former Rangers forward Wonah Williams gave Enyimba the lead, only for the Flying Antelopes to respond in swift fashion. Defenders Chidozie Iwundu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi both found the net within ten minutes to complete the turnaround and keep Rangers firmly on top.
Kano witnessed late drama as Kano Pillars snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Rivers United. Abdullahi Musa broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, but the visitors looked to have salvaged a point when Handsome Surveyor headed home an 89th-minute equaliser. Deep into stoppage time, however, veteran Ahmed Musa delivered the decisive blow, firing home to send the home fans into celebration.
Elsewhere, it was smooth sailing for Nasarawa United and Remo Stars, both recording emphatic 3-0 victories over Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes respectively. Victor Chimezie, Ngei Oluka-Efor, and Habibu Alakija were on target for Nasarawa, while champions Remo Stars saw Victor Mbaoma, Adedayo Olamilekan, and Samuel Anakwe get on the scoresheet in Ikenne.
Plateau United and Kun Khalifat settled for a 1-1 draw in Jos, with Mmesoma Nnorom’s early strike for the visitors cancelled out by Alao Danbani before the break.
Kwara United continued their steady rise with a 2-1 win over Barau of Kano. Toheeb Gidado and Saheed Olaniyi put them in control before Joseph Atule pulled one back for the visitors.
With State FA Cup finals scheduled for next weekend, NPFL action will pause briefly, with Matchday 36 fixtures now set for May 2–3 as the race for glory, survival, and continental tickets intensifies.
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