Arumala’s brace powers Ikorodu City to 2-0 win and top spot on the NPFL table...

Ikorodu City moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a composed 2-0 home victory over Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 25, while defending champions Remo Stars suffered another damaging defeat that deepened their relegation worries.

At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Ikorodu City produced a calm and authoritative performance on Sunday, underlining their growing title credentials and extending an impressive run of form this season.

Joseph Arumala was the hero of the day, scoring both goals to lift the Oga Boys to 41 points.

Ikorodu City are now level on points with Rivers United and Nasarawa United, but sit top of the table on goal difference.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 33rd minute when Chidera Oparaocha was fouled in the penalty area.

Arumala stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to give Ikorodu a deserved lead at halftime.

Niger Tornadoes struggled to gain momentum after the break as Ikorodu controlled possession and limited their visitors to few clear chances.

CBI News reports that the result was sealed in the 88th minute, when Arumala spun away from his marker and fired a low shot into the corner to complete his brace.

The win strengthens Ikorodu City’s push for a continental ticket, although second-placed Rivers United remain level on points with four games in hand.

While Ikorodu celebrated at the summit, Remo Stars’ struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat away to Kano Pillars.

Luis Dadong’s second-half strike condemned the reigning champions to their 15th loss of the season.

Despite goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi saving a first-half penalty from Rabiu Ali, Remo Stars failed to recover and now sit 19th on 26 points, just one above bottom club Kun Khalifat.

Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars, days after briefly announcing a withdrawal from the league before reversing the decision.

Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers played out a goalless draw, while Plateau United edged Kwara United 1-0 thanks to a late Sadiq Yusuf strike.

Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, and Warri Wolves were held to a 0-0 stalemate by El Kanemi Warriors.

In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Katsina United were locked in a dramatic 3-3 draw before the match was suspended in the 78th minute due to poor visibility.

Katsina United were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Uche Collins, and the game is scheduled to resume on Monday.

NPFL Matchday 25 Results:

Saturday

Bendel Insurance 2-0 Enyimba

Sunday

Kano Pillars 1-0 Remo Stars

Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United

Ikorodu City 2-0 Niger Tornadoes

Warri Wolves 0-0 El Kanemi Warriors

Abia Warriors 0-0 Enugu Rangers

Nasarawa United 1-1 Bayelsa United

Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 Shooting Stars