NPFL Match Day 11: Abia Warriors Take Top Spot as Remo Stars Struggles Deepens

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The drama continued in the Nigeria Premier Football League as NPFL Match Day 11 delivered shocking results, stunning goals, and significant shifts in the title race. From Abia Warriors securing the league summit to defending champions Remo Stars deepening their problems, NPFL Match Day 11 provided all the excitement Nigerian football fans had been longing for.

Top Results from NPFL Match Day 11

Kwara United 3-1 Remo Stars – A Thorough Humbling

Kwara United delivered the performance of NPFL Match Day 11, dismantling defending champions Remo Stars 3-1 at the Kwara Stadium in Ilorin. Junior Aimufua was the hero, netting a brilliant brace in what was a comprehensive demolition of the Sky-Blue Stars.

For Remo Stars, the nightmare continues with four straight losses across all competitions, conceding 13 goals while scoring only three. The statistics depict a dismal situation for a team that dominated Nigerian football just a few months ago. The defending champions have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Mamelodi Sundowns and now find themselves languishing in 17th position in the NPFL standings.

Making matters worse, head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has been missing from the touchline in the last two games. Without immediate intervention, relegation becomes a genuine possibility for last season’s champions.

Bendel Insurance 1-1 Warri Wolves – Niger Delta Derby Delivers

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City witnessed an entertaining 1-1 draw during NPFL Match Day 11 as Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves shared the spoils in a fiercely contested Niger Delta derby.

Alex Oweilayefa of Bendel Insurance celebrated his comeback from injury with a goal in the 9th minute, following nearly two months of absence.

But Warri Wolves weren’t done. The visitors grew into the contest, and their persistence paid dividends four minutes before halftime. Othuke Egbo curled in a stunning free kick from 25 yards, leaving the Insurance goalkeeper with no chance. The technique was impeccable, the execution perfect.

 

Niger Tornadoes 1-2 Abia Warriors—Warriors Seize the Summit

The biggest story of NPFL Match Day 11 came from Minna, where Abia Warriors produced a stunning comeback to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2-1 and claim top spot in the league. Imama Amapakabo’s side now sits on 21 points from 11 matches, confirming their status as genuine title contenders.

NPFL-winning coach Imama Amapakabo looks set for another title charge. After guiding Abia Warriors to their first-ever continental qualification with a third-place finish last season, Imama has his side flying high again, sitting at the top of the table after NPFL Match Day 11.

 

Rivers United 1-0 Nasarawa United—Phenomenal Strike Decides Clash

In the battle of title contenders during NPFL Match Day 11, Rivers United produced a moment of magic to down league leaders Nasarawa United. Timothy Zachariah’s phenomenal strike proved the difference in Port Harcourt.

The victory lifts Rivers United to the top of the table, while Nasarawa United drops to second place with 19 points from 10 matches; their lead at the top is evaporating after consecutive defeats. The Solid Miners must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the title race.

 

Ikorodu City 2-0 Kun Khalifat – Oga Boys on Fire

The Oga Boys continued their impressive campaign at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, dispatching newly promoted Kun Khalifat with ease during NPFL Match Day 11. Ikorodu City’s home form has been exceptional, and they demonstrated why with another dominant performance.

The victory keeps Ikorodu City in the upper echelons of the table with 18 points from 11 matches.

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Shooting Stars 1-1 Katsina United—Early Goals Share Spoils

Shooting Stars and Katsina United played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan during NPFL Match Day 11, with both sides finding the net in an action-packed first half.

Before kickoff, Shooting Stars fans raised a “NO TO VIOLENCE” banner in a powerful statement. The club stands firmly against violence in football, with the message reading, “Let’s show our passion with love, respect, and sportsmanship on and off the pitch. Together, we make the game beautiful.” The gesture received widespread praise across Nigerian football circles.

On the pitch, Katsina United struck first. In the 5th minute, Jamilu Yusuf gave the Changi boys the lead, shocking the home crowd and putting Shooting Stars on the defensive.

However, the Oluyole Warriors responded with determination. Lawrence Chukwudi restored parity in the 14th minute.

 

Enyimba 2-0 Kano Pillars – Elephant Finally Roars

The People’s Elephant secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over bottom-placed Kano Pillars in NPFL Match Day 11, offering some relief after recent struggles.

For Kano Pillars, the crisis deepens significantly. They have now lost three consecutive NPFL matches for the first time since April 2024, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table with just five points from 10 games.

Questions are being raised over Kano Pillars’ recruitment strategy ahead of the season. The club brought in Chiedozie Okorie to lead their attack, a player who scored just six goals across two seasons with Rangers. Ten games in, he’s yet to find the net. The decision to appoint him as the main striker looks increasingly questionable with each passing week.

Manager Usman Abdallah faces immense pressure to turn things around quickly. Without urgent reinforcements, Kano Pillars face the very real prospect of relegation from the NPFL.

Bayelsa United 2-1 Plateau United – Prosperity Boys Edge Thriller at Home

Bayelsa United secured a vital home victory over Plateau United at the Samson Siasia Stadium, coming from behind to claim all three points. Plateau United started brightly, taking the lead in just the second minute through Gideon Monday, who caught the home defence napping with an early strike.

The Prosperity Boys fought back and equalised in the 39th minute through James Emo, who finished off a well-worked move to level the scores before halftime. Emo completed his brace in the 56th minute, a goal was scored that proved to be the winner, sending the home crowd into celebrations.

The victory lifts Bayelsa to 14 points, sitting in 12th position, whilst Plateau United remain on 12 points in 16th position after NPFL Match Day 11.

 

Wikki Tourist 0-0 Barau FC – Stalemate in Bauchi as Defences Dominate

Wikki Tourist and newly promoted Barau FC played out a goalless draw in Bauchi, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.

The head coach, Abdu Maikab, offered his thoughts after the match: “We needed to be able to grab a point, which means a lot as far as the league is concerned. We’ll keep improving, strategise better, and ensure we perform even stronger in the coming games.”

 

El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Rangers International – Mid-Table Clash Ends All Square

Two of Nigeria’s most storied clubs played out a goalless draw in Maiduguri. El-Kanemi Warriors and Rangers International cancelled each other out in a match that featured excellent defensive organisation.

Rangers International remains in 13th position with 13 points, while El-Kanemi sits 11th with 15 points after NPFL Match Day 11.

What’s Next After NPFL Match Day 11?

Abia Warriors now lead the championship race, but the pressure shifts to Nasarawa United to respond in their game in hand. The Solid Miners cannot afford further slip-ups if they harbour genuine title ambitions. Their defeat to Rivers United exposed defensive frailties that opponents will look to exploit.

For Remo Stars, immediate action is required. The defending champions are in a genuine relegation battle, sitting just three points above the drop zone. Whether Daniel Ogunmodede’s return can spark a revival remains uncertain, but the club hierarchy must act decisively to arrest this alarming decline. They have suffered four consecutive defeats, marking their worst run since their promotion to the NPFL, and their confidence seems to be in ruins.

The board faces difficult decisions. Do they back Ogunmodede with new signings? Do they seek a new manager? Or do they believe the current squad can rediscover last season’s form? Whatever path they choose, time is running out. Every match becomes increasingly crucial as the season progresses.

Kano Pillars must find goals from somewhere, anywhere. Their costly recruitment mistakes are shattering their confidence. Chiedozie Okorie’s continued failure to score raises questions about his suitability for the central striker role. Without urgent reinforcements during the January transfer window, a catastrophic relegation is imminent.

The club’s history and tradition mean nothing if results don’t improve. Sai Masu Gida have won four NPFL titles, but past glories won’t save them from the drop. Manager Usman Abdallah needs backing from the board, but he must also take responsibility for decisions that haven’t worked.

At the top, Imama Amapakabo’s Abia Warriors have announced themselves as the team to beat after NPFL Match Day 11. Their resilience and mental strength make them genuine contenders for the title. The squad possesses quality throughout, from experienced defenders to dynamic midfielders to clinical forwards.

The 2024/2025 NPFL season continues to deliver drama, unpredictability, and compelling storylines. With NPFL Match Day 11 complete, the title race is wide open, and Nigerian football fans are being treated to non-stop entertainment. The next round of fixtures promises more excitement, more goals, and potentially more twists in this captivating championship race.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is leading the NPFL table after Match Day 11?

Abia Warriors currently sit at the top of the NPFL standings after an impressive 2-1 comeback win over Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

2. What happened to Remo Stars on NPFL Match Day 11?

Defending champions Remo Stars suffered another defeat, losing 3-1 to Kwara United. The loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.

3. Which match was the highlight of NPFL Match Day 11?

The standout fixture was between Niger Tornadoes and Abia Warriors, where the Warriors’ comeback victory pushed them to the top of the NPFL table.

4. How are Kano Pillars performing this season?

Kano Pillars remain at the bottom of the NPFL table after a 2-0 loss to Enyimba, marking their third straight defeat. Their goal-scoring woes continue to be a major concern.

5. When is NPFL Match Day 12 scheduled?

Match Day 12 fixtures are expected next weekend, with crucial games for title contenders like Rivers United, Nasarawa United, and Remo Stars.