NPFL: Shooting Stars dim Rangers title hopes as Rivers United edge 6-goal thriller

Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) delivered drama, goals and a significant twist in the title race, as key contenders either stumbled or surged at decisive moments.

Shooting Stars' earn a statement win over Rangers which could reshape the title race, as Rivers United capitalised fully to climb back to the top.

Ikorodu City remain firmly in contention after a dramatic victory, while Remo Stars picked up a hard-earned point on the road.

Shooting Stars stun Rangers in Ibadan

At the Shooting Stars SC home ground in Ibadan, the biggest shock of the day unfolded as they defeated league leaders Enugu Rangers 3-1 in a commanding display.

After a cagey first half, the breakthrough arrived four minutes into the restart. Sodiq Ibrahim reacted quickest inside the box on 49 minutes to fire Shooting Stars ahead, sparking life into the contest.

ARRIVAL pic.twitter.com/j8zX85jkdc

— Shooting Stars SC (@ShootingSc) March 29, 2026

Rangers, showing why they had led the table, fought back and found an equaliser on 69 minutes to restore parity at 1-1. For a brief spell, the momentum appeared to swing in their favour.

But Shooting Stars responded with composure and intent. On 78 minutes, Desmond Ojietefian rose highest to meet a delivery and power home a header, putting the hosts back in front.

As Rangers pushed forward in search of another leveller, they were caught late on. Adams Mustapha sealed the win in the 88th minute, finishing clinically to wrap up a memorable 3-1 victory.

The result lifted Shooting Stars into fifth place, while Rangers’ title hopes took a dent as they slipped from the summit.

Rivers United win six-goal thriller to go top

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United produced a spirited comeback to defeat Kun Khalifat 4-2 in an entertaining six-goal encounter.

Rivers United made a bright start, taking the lead in the 17th minute through Okon Aniekeme, who finished from close range. However, the visitors responded quickly, equalising seven minutes later.

The game burst into life late in the first half. Sunday Adehi gave Kun Khalifat the lead on 38 minutes, but Rivers hit back almost immediately, with Iyowuna Douglas levelling just two minutes later.

On the stroke of half-time, the hosts regained the lead through Handsome Suverior, capping a frantic spell before the break.

Rivers United controlled the second half and put the game beyond doubt in the 82nd minute, when Douglas struck again to complete his brace and secure a 4-2 win.

It was a vital response from Finidi George’s side after a difficult run, and the victory sent them back to the top of the table.

Ikorodu City edge seven-goal thriller in Lagos

Arguably the most entertaining match of the round took place in Lagos, where Ikorodu City beat Warri Wolves 4-3 in a breathless contest.

The hosts started quickly, with Abayomi Ayodeji opening the scoring in the 8th minute. Joseph Arumala doubled the advantage on 24 minutes, but Wolves responded almost immediately through Chisom Ogbuu.

Ikorodu restored their two-goal cushion before the break when Ayodeji’s run forced an own goal on 42 minutes, making it 3-1.

The second half continued at the same pace. Igbunu Evwierhurhoma converted a penalty on 53 minutes to bring Wolves back into the game at 3-2. But within a minute, Tosin Oyedokun struck to make it 4-2.

Wolves refused to give up, and Evwierhurhoma grabbed his second deep into added time to reduce the deficit, but Ikorodu City held on for a thrilling 4-3 win.

The victory keeps Ikorodu firmly in the title race, moving them to 52 points, just behind the top contenders.

Remo Stars earn valuable away point

At the other end of the table, Remo Stars secured an important 1-1 draw away to El-Kanemi Warriors.

The hosts made a fast start, taking the lead in the 7th minute through Adewale Yusuf.

Remo Stars responded well and found their equaliser on 36 minutes, with Victor Mbaoma finishing to ensure the visitors went into the break level.

The second half was more controlled, with both sides unable to find a winner. For Remo Stars, the point could prove crucial in their push to move away from danger.

NPFL: Full-Time Results (Matchday 32)

• El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Remo Stars
• Shooting Stars 3-1 Enugu Rangers
• Barau 0-0 Katsina United
• Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists
• Enyimba 2-1 Abia Warriors
• Bayelsa United 4-1 Kano Pillars
• Ikorodu City 4-3 Warri Wolves
• Rivers United 4-2 Kun Khalifat