NPFL Roundup: Sporting, Rangers claim big wins as Remo Stars stumble again

NPFL witnessed impressive wins for Sporting Lagos, Rangers, Enyimba and Shooting Stars.

NPFL Roundup: Sporting, Rangers claim big wins as Remo Stars stumble again

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:19 - 18.03.2024

The NPFL witnessed an action-packed Sunday with Sporting Lagos and Enugu Rangers registering key wins while Remo Stars lost another derby.

It was another pulsating weekend of NPFL action, with key results at both ends of the table. 

Sporting Lagos and Enugu Rangers secured impressive home victories, while title-chasing Remo Stars suffered more derby day woes.

Sporting Avenge Kwara Loss

At the Lagos Stadium, Sporting Lagos made it back-to-back home wins by avenging their earlier defeat to Kwara United. 

Pascal Durugbor (left) celebrates with Otibo for Sporting Lagos.
Pascal Durugbor (left) celebrates with Otibo for Sporting Lagos. (Photo Credit: Sporting/X)

The 2-0 victory courtesy of two first half goals from Pascal Durugbor and Aliu Salawudeen extended their unbeaten home run to 13 matches.

Oluyole Warriors Humble Remo

In Ibadan, the Southwest derby disappointments kept coming for Ikenne giants Remo Stars. 

Remo Stars' tormentor, Christian Pyagbara of Shooting Stars
Remo Stars' tormentor, Christian Pyagbara of Shooting Stars. (Photo Credit: Shootingsc/X)

After a 4-1 loss at Sporting last week, the Sky Blues were beaten 2-0 by Shooting Stars courtesy of a Christian Pygbara brace as they finished with 10 men.

Rangers Close Gap At The Top

At the Cathedral, Enugu Rangers closed within striking distance of leaders Lobi Stars by seeing off the Pride of Benue 2-1.

Lobi Stars jogged back to Lafia without a point from Enugu.
Lobi Stars jogged back to Lafia without a point from Enugu.

 First-half and second-half goals sealed a big three points against Lobi in a packed Cathedral in Enugu.

Enyimba, Insurance Hit Four

Elsewhere, there were comprehensive wins for Enyimba (3-1 vs Niger Tornadoes) and Bendel Insurance, who thrashed Doma United 4-0 - the biggest victory of the weekend.

Alade Balogun celebrates for Enyimba.
Alade Balogun celebrates for Enyimba.

Enyimba struggled to get going but later found their magic wand to dispatch their visitors while Insurance comprehensively helped Doma extend their winless streak to nine matches.

Tight At The Summit

The results leave the title race finely poised, with just two points separating Lobi Stars from fourth-placed Plateau United, who lost ground after a 2-1 defeat at Katsina United.

Lobi sit top of the table with 46 points, just one point ahead of their conquerors, Rangers, with Enyimba making up the top four. 

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With the second half of the season now well underway, the battle for the NPFL crown is shaping up to be a blockbuster finale.

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