The Nigeria Premier Football League is heading toward a thrilling climax, and Week 34 delivered exactly the kind of drama fans have come to expect goals, grit, and shifting fortunes across the table.
At the center of it all is Ikorodu City’s electric winger, Joseph Arumala, who has surged into pole position in the Golden Boot race.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Arumala set the tone early, opening the scoring in a commanding 3-0 victory over Kano Pillars.
That strike took his tally to 12 goals for the season, pushing him just ahead of the chasing duo of Godwin Obaje and Emeka Obioma.
Ikorodu City didn’t stop there. Tosin Oyedokun added a second in the 70th minute before Abayomi Ayodeji sealed the emphatic win late on.
The result keeps the Oga Boys firmly in the title conversation, sitting on 55 points—just three behind league leaders Rivers United.
At the summit,
Rivers United showed resilience under pressure, grinding out a hard-fought win over Plateau United.
A first-half effort from Wisdom Samuel proved decisive, ensuring Finidi George’s men held onto top spot as the title race tightens.
Rangers, however, missed a chance to close the gap after being held to a goalless draw by Niger Tornadoes.
While the battle for the title heats up, the relegation fight is becoming just as intense. In Yenagoa, Jonathan Mairiga emerged as the difference-maker, scoring the only goal in Wikki Tourists’ narrow win over Bayelsa United.
Though Wikki remain in the drop zone, the result drags Bayelsa deeper into trouble.
Kwara United, fresh off their Federation Cup success, managed to climb out of the bottom four with a goalless draw against Shooting Stars, showing just enough composure to steady their campaign.
But the shock of the weekend came elsewhere. Defending champions Remo Stars suffered a painful collapse, surrendering a lead to lose 2-1 against Barau FC.
Late goals from Joseph Atule and Joseph Kemin overturned Haruna Hadi’s earlier strike, leaving the champions dangerously close to the relegation zone with only four matches left.
In the southeast, there was renewed hope for survival. Enyimba produced a dominant display, brushing aside Katsina United 3-0 in Aba, thanks to goals from Stanley Dimgba, Chidera Michael, and Wonah Williams.
Kun Khalifat FC matched that scoreline against Warri Wolves, with Uchechukwu Onuoha netting twice after Mmesoma Nnorom’s opener.
Despite remaining bottom, Kun Khalifat have edged closer to safety, setting up a tense run-in.
With just a handful of games remaining, the NPFL is balancing on a knife’s edge.
The race for the title, continental spots, and survival are all wide open and if Week 34 is anything to go by, the final stretch promises nothing short of chaos, courage, and unforgettable football.
