NPFL Week 23 Exposes Remo Stars, Kwara United as Wolves and Kun Khalifat Strike

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 23 delivered another brutal reminder of how unforgiving the relegation battle has become, especially for South West sides Remo Stars and Kwara United.

Both clubs suffered away defeats on Thursday, slipping further into danger as rivals seized vital points.

With margins thin and pressure mounting, the results reshaped both ends of the table and showed how quickly fortunes can change in Nigeria’s top flight.

NPFL Week 23: Relegation Fears Deepen for Remo Stars

Defending champions Remo Stars endured a painful night on the road as their struggles continued away from home.

After a cagey, goalless first half, Warri Wolves found the breakthrough seven minutes into the second period, flipping the contest decisively in their favour.

Chisom Orji’s composed finish proved enough to secure all three points for Warri Wolves, lifting them to ninth place on the NPFL table with 33 points.

For Remo Stars, the defeat pushed them down to 17th with 26 points, extending a worrying run of three matches without a win—two losses and a draw—as relegation pressure intensifies.

Kwara United Stumble Again as Kun Khalifat Finds Hope

It was a familiar script for Kwara United, who fell narrowly to struggling Kun Khalifat in Owerri.

Both sides cancelled each other out before the break, but the hosts struck early after the restart to tilt the balance.

Kun Khalifat captain Chikamso Amaefula delivered the decisive goal seven minutes into the second half, sealing a priceless victory for the bottom-placed side.

Despite remaining last with 22 points, Kun Khalifat gained renewed belief, while Kwara United slipped to 19th on 24 points, their situation growing increasingly precarious.

The Harmony Boys have now lost four consecutive matches, while Kun Khalifat’s recent run improved to one win and one draw.

Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman did not hide his frustration after the defeat.

He admitted his side have failed to score since the league resumed for the second stanza, pointing to lost form and player departures for foreign trials, while promising reinforcements in the coming weeks.

NPFL Week 23 Round-Up: Stalemates Elsewhere

Away from the relegation fight, Ikorodu City claimed local bragging rights in a tense South West derby against Shooting Stars.

Joseph Anumala struck inside two minutes, and that early goal proved decisive as the Oga Boys held firm to secure a narrow but vital victory.

Elsewhere on Thursday, Niger Tornadoes frustrated Bayelsa United in a goalless draw, while Bendel Insurance and Barau FC also shared the spoils in another stalemate.

Full Results

Bayelsa United 0–0 Niger Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance 0–0 Barau FC
Ikorodu City 1–0 Shooting Stars
Kun Khalifat 1–0 Kwara United
Warri Wolves 1–0 Remo Stars