Anaekwe strike lifts Remo Stars in survival battle as Rangers go top

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) champions Remo Stars boosted their fight against relegation with a narrow 1-0 victory over South-West rivals Shooting Stars (3SC) in Ikenne on Sunday, Sport360NG reports. 

Samuel Anaekwe netted the decisive goal four minutes into the second half, sealing Remo Stars’ 12th win of a difficult campaign. The result moves the Sky Blue Stars up to 17th on the table with 40 points, although they remain in the relegation zone on goal difference with five games left in the season.

After clinching their maiden league title last term, Remo Stars have endured an inconsistent title defence. Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede stepped down following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles, with experienced tactician Usman Abdallah taking over in February to steer the club to safety.

Elsewhere, Kwara United enhanced their survival prospects with an emphatic 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Goals from Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam lifted the Harmony Boys to 18th place on 39 points.

At the bottom of the standings, Kun Khalifat stunned Nasarawa United with a late 1-0 away victory, courtesy of Stanley Otu’s stoppage-time strike. Despite the win, they remain four points from safety.

In other Matchday 33 fixtures, eight-time champions Rangers International climbed to the summit of the table after being held to a goalless draw at home by Barau FC. They now sit level on 55 points with Rivers United, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Warri Wolves.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars delivered one of the standout performances of the round, thrashing Bendel Insurance 4-0 in front of their home fans. Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu and Bernard Ovoke were all on target for Sai Masu Gida.