Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered major twists in both the title race and relegation battle, as top sides dropped points and underdogs pulled off surprising results.
League leaders Rangers International were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Barau FC, missing the chance to extend their lead at the top.
Closest challengers Rivers United also slipped, suffering a 2-0 away defeat to Warri Wolves.
Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma and Othuke Egbo sealed a crucial win for the hosts and dealt a blow to Rivers United’s title push.
One of the biggest shocks came as Nasarawa United lost 1-0 at home to relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat FC, with Stanley Otu scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory that boosted his side’s survival hopes.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars delivered the standout performance of the round, thrashing Bendel Insurance 4-0.
Mustapha Jibrin, Chiedozie Okorie, Muhammad Aminu and Bernard Ovoke were all on target in a dominant display.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars edged Shooting Stars 1-0 in the South West derby, securing a vital win to strengthen their position.
Kwara United also boosted their survival chances with a commanding 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, thanks to goals from Junior Aimufua, Samsudeen Mohammed and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam.
Meanwhile, Katsina United claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Niger Tornadoes, with Elijah Akanni scoring the decisive goal.
Despite dropped points, Rangers remain top with 55 points, level with Rivers United, while Ikorodu City sit close behind on 52 points.
With just five matches left, the title race remains wide open, while the relegation battle has intensified, especially after Kun Khalifat’s crucial win lifted them to 36 points and kept their survival hopes alive.
