NPFL: Remo Stars Lose at Home, Rangers Edge Ikorodu City

Defending NPFL champions Remo Stars suffered a 3–2 home defeat to Bendel Insurance at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday, in a result that shook up the domestic league standings.

Insurance took the lead through Wisdom Ndon in the 14th minute, and Chinedu Nwosu doubled it shortly before the half-hour. Remo Stars responded through Olalekan Adeleke, but an own goal by Henry Onyian restored Insurance’s two-goal cushion just before halftime. Victor Mbaoma pulled one back for the hosts in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to earn a point.

Elsewhere, Rangers International claimed a 2–1 away win over Ikorodu City in Enugu, thanks to goals from Godwin Obaje and Christian Nwobodo, though Rasheed Owolabi scored late for the Lagos club. Other NPFL results included Abia Warriors beating Warri Wolves 1–0, Kwara United defeating Bayelsa United 2–0, a 0–0 draw between Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat, and 3SC’s 2–1 win over Niger Tornadoes.

Editorial

The latest weekend of NPFL action delivered reminders of the league’s unpredictable pulse where even champions can stumble at home, and gritty away wins can reinvigorate title hopes. Remo Stars’ defeat to Bendel Insurance was more than just three points dropped it was a psychological rupture at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, where the champions’ aura of invincibility at home has occasionally wavered this season.

Remo’s slow start to their title defense has been a persistent talking point, and this loss underscores how quickly momentum can evaporate in a league as competitive and tactically nuanced as the NPFL. Insurance’s early aggression capitalising on defensive disorganisation and converting chances with ruthless efficiency typified a side approaching fixtures with purpose rather than inertia. For Remo, finding defensive solidity and sharper link-play in transition will be essential if they are to arrest their slide and reassert themselves at the summit.

Across the country in Enugu, Rangers International’s narrow victory over Ikorodu City offers a contrasting narrative that of resilience and opportunism. While not always dominant, Rangers has shown an ability to grind out results on the road, and their clinical execution here paired with a late reply from Ikorodu sharpens their credentials as contenders rather than also-rans.

In broader context, the 2025–26 NPFL season has offered a fascinating study in fluid tables and fluctuating form, with teams rarely able to maintain long unbeaten runs and parity between mid-table and top-flight outfits evident week after week. The implications are clear no fixture is a foregone conclusion, even for champions.

For supporters and tacticians alike, this weekend delivered what the NPFL promises most consistently drama, tight margins and shifting narratives that keep every club honest. As the season progresses, whether Remo Stars can recalibrate after this setback and whether sides like Rangers can build on their momentum will define the unfolding story of a league both unpredictable and compelling at every turn.

Did You Know?

1. Defending champs’ challenge Remo Stars entered the 2025–26 season as defending NPFL champions, starting their title defense with mixed results that have tested their consistency.
2. Historic unbeaten runs are rare Although Remo enjoyed a lengthy unbeaten home streak in recent years, they have suffered key home losses this season, illustrating how competitive the NPFL has become.
3. Ikorodu City FC is a recent NPFL club: Ikorodu City were promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League in 2024 after success in the Nigeria National League, making them one of the new competitive forces in the top flight.
4. Away victories matter Rangers’ win away at Ikorodu City emphasises how critical road results are in leagues like the NPFL, where home advantage has traditionally been significant.
5. Close league table The 2025–26 NPFL season features tight separations between many teams, with no side yet able to dominate across long stretches a sign of increased parity in Nigerian top-flight football.