NPFL Roundup: Remo Stars Go Top as Champions Edge Warri Wolves

Defending champions Remo Stars rose to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table on Sunday after grinding out a narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted Warri Wolves in Abeokuta.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when forward Samson Olasupo struck clinically to hand the Sky Blue Stars all three points in front of their home supporters. The victory extended Remo’s unbeaten start to the season, giving them seven points from three matches — level with Wikki Tourists but ahead on goals scored.

Remo Stars, who lifted their maiden NPFL title last season, had to dig deep against a resilient Wolves side who frustrated them for long spells with compact defending and quick counterattacks. The visitors almost silenced the home crowd in the first half but were denied by goalkeeper Bankole Kayode, who pulled off a fine save to keep the champions in the contest.

Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players’ patience after the match, noting that such tightly contested games would test their title defence.

“We knew Warri Wolves would not make it easy for us. They came with a plan to sit back and hit us on the break. I’m proud of the boys for staying focused until the breakthrough came,” Ogunmodede said.

The result keeps Warri Wolves stuck on three points, having won one and lost two in their opening fixtures since returning to the NPFL.

Elsewhere in the league, Wikki Tourists continued their strong start with a 2-1 home victory over Niger Tornadoes, while Kano Pillars returned to winning ways after edging Gombe United 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. In Port Harcourt, Rivers United were held to a goalless draw by visiting Enugu Rangers in one of the weekend’s most anticipated fixtures.

With Remo Stars setting the early pace, attention now shifts to Matchday Four where the champions face another stern test away to Rangers, while Warri Wolves will look to bounce back at home against Katsina United.