BY TOLULPE OGUNTIMEHIN
Matchday 16 of the Nigeriamier Football League delivered high-octane action, with thrilling encounters, a single away victory, and no shortage of drama.
In Jos, Plateau United staged a remarkable comeback in a five-goal thriller, overturning a 2-1 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against Heartland. This echoed their similar heroics against Nasarawa United earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Nasarawa United had to dig deep and employ every trick in the book to edge out relegation-threatened Lobi Stars 1-0. Despite adopting Lafia as their temporary home, Lobi Stars couldn’t salvage anything from this encounter.
Sunshine Stars’ poor run continued as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home in Ijebu Ode to Shooting Stars. For 3SC, this win was a hard-fought reward following weeks of frustration over officiating, with their “prayers” finally answered—not at Adamasingba but away in Ijebu Ode.
Imama Amapakabo’s swashbuckling, expansive football was on full display as Abia Warriors edged out Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in a contest that embodied pure “jogo bonito,” borrowing the phrase from the late Coach Joe Erico. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United brought the fairytale run of NPFL newcomers Ikorodu City to a halt. Under the guidance of Nurudeen Aweroro, the “Baby” of the league has dazzled fans with fearless performances, but Bayelsa proved too much to handle this time around.
Enugu Rangers’ unbeaten run stayed intact as they stunned Rivers United 1-0 in Enugu. Pulling out all the stops, Rangers threw open the stadium gates to rally fans in support of their team. The win may not yet propel them to the summit, but it keeps them in the title conversation.
In Kano, despite a massive turnout of spectators, Katsina put up a valiant fight but faltered when it mattered most. Abba Adam’s decisive 34th-minute goal sealed the victory, leaving the visitors with no way back.
Remo Stars, however, had their eyes firmly on the prize, dispatching El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Ikenne. After a cagey opening 20 minutes, their persistence paid off, propelling them to the top of the table and bolstering their title aspirations.
Matchday 16 was a testament to the NPFL’s unpredictability and the unyielding spirit of its teams—setting the stage for an electrifying second half of the season.
NPFL Matchday 16 Results
Kano pillars 1-0 Kastina Utd
Plateau Utd 3-2 Heartland
Sunshine 0-1 Shooting Stars
Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Lobi Stars
Bayelsa Utd 1-0 Ikorodu City
Abia Warriors 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Rivers Utd
Remo Star 2-0 Elkanemi Warriors
**””Akwa United Babagaru part ways
Meanwhile, Mohammed Babaganaru the technical adviser of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit Akwa United has become the latest casualty in the league as he has parted ways with the relegation threatened Promise Keepers
Babaganaru took the decision in the aftermath of Akwa United’s 1-1 home draw against Bendel Insurance at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, Uyo on Monday.
The disappointing result leaves the Promise Keepers in 19th position on the log with 16 points.
The experienced gaffer took over the reign at the club last season following the resignation of Fatai Osho.
The former Wikki Tourists handler helped steer the club out of relegation.
Akwa United have however endured a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign with four wins, four draws and eight defeats from 16 games.
The chairman of the club, Elder Paul Bassey, confirmed coach Babaganaru’s departure in a statement on Monday.
Bassey acknowledged the selfless service tendered by the tactician to the club.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the players.
“In football tradition around the world, when results are not forthcoming it’s the coaches that pay for the poor run of form irrespective of their output and past antecedents.
“Babaganaru is a good coach who has worked with many clubs in this country and won trophies but it didn’t just work out for him as planned this season,” Bassey told Akwa United’s media.
“He joined us last season and contributed immensely helping us to beat the drop, we can’t forget that and we commend him.
“I can say that our results and position on the log this season is not a true reflection of the work he has done with the team.
“Akwa United is a team with rich history and pedigree, so struggling in the relegation zone is unacceptable and we cannot continue in that direction.
“Coach Muhammed Babaganaru is a core professional, we will miss him.”