Matchday 27 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) saw Kano Pillars escape the relegation zone with a commanding 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors, leaping to 16th position with 32 points. League leaders Ikorodu City were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bayelsa United but maintained their slender lead at the summit.
Second-placed Rangers International of Enugu failed to capitalise, playing out a goalless draw against Katsina United. Other results: Abia Warriors defeated Kwara United 1-0; Kun Khalifa beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0; Nasarawa United claimed a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance; Plateau United thrashed Shooting Stars 4-1; and Rivers United drew 1-1 with Enyimba.
Key Points:
Kano Pillars’ vital win breathes life into their survival hopes.
Ikorodu City’s dropped points but maintained lead as rivals also faltered.
Relegation battlers gain hope, while title race remains open.
This signals the intense competition at both ends of the table.
The timing, with 27 games played, shapes run-in.
Kano Pillars climb out of relegation with 3-0 win as Ikorodu City stay top despite 1-1 draw, with Rangers missing chance to close gap.
Sources: Leadership, NPFL