Remo Stars revived their title defense in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Gateway International Stadium in Abeokuta on Monday night. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s team snapped a three-game losing streak against Katsina United, Kwara United, and Nasarawa United, moving clear of the relegation zone.

El-Kanemi Warriors took the lead in the 58th minute through Jonas Emmanuel’s sharp finish. Remo Stars responded late: Victor Mbaoma equalized from a penalty in the 88th minute, and former Abia Warriors striker Michael Ibe scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. The victory lifts the champions to fifth with 20 points from 12 games, while El-Kanemi drop to 11th with 15 points.

In Owerri, Rivers United secured a 1-0 away win over Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, climbing to fourth place with 21 points. Maclyn Biokpo struck the winner 11 minutes from time, extending Finidi George’s side’s unbeaten away run to four matches. Kun Khalifat, suffering their fourth loss in five home games, remain 16th with nine points.

At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United edged Bendel Insurance 1-0, with Saka Gafar’s goal handing Kennedy Boboye’s team their 10th game without a win. Plateau move to eighth with 17 points, while Insurance stay 19th with seven points, still seeking a first victory under their new manager.

With Ikorodu City leading the NPFL table on 23 points after Sunday’s results, the race for continental places heats up as Matchday 13 approaches.