2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 35: Safe Tornadoes aim to deepen Remo Stars’ survival worries in Ikenne

Posted : 19 April 2026

The league's defending champions Remo Stars’ battle to avoid relegation continues this weekend as they host Niger Tornadoes in a decisive Match Day 35 fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in Ikenne.

While the hosts are locked in a tense survival fight, Niger Tornadoes arrive with less pressure, sitting 12th on the table and already clear of relegation danger.

The visitors will be keen to capitalize on Remo Stars’ inconsistent form and further complicate the champions’ difficult campaign.

The contrast between both sides’ fortunes is stark. Exactly a year ago, Remo Stars celebrated a historic 1-0 victory over the same opposition to seal their maiden NPFL title.

This time, however, the Ikenne-based side find themselves 19th with 40 points, needing a strong finish to escape the drop.

Despite their struggles, Remo Stars may draw confidence from returning to their home ground after a period of playing away due to stadium renovations and a disciplinary restriction. The familiar surroundings could provide a much-needed boost as they seek maximum points.

Interim coach Usman Abd’Allah, currently overseeing the team in the absence of Daniel Ogunmodede, has maintained that the squad remains determined to fight until the end of the season.

For Niger Tornadoes, this fixture presents an opportunity to assert themselves against the defending champions and demonstrate their competitiveness, even with their safety already secured.

With the season nearing its conclusion, the encounter sets up as a high-stakes test for Remo Stars and a chance for Tornadoes to influence the relegation narrative.

The dramatic shift in fortune for Remo Stars highlights the unpredictable nature of the NPFL as they move from title winners to relegation candidates in just one season. Niger Tornadoes will look to play the role of spoilers, utilizing their safety to play with a freedom that the pressured hosts currently lack. Ultimately, the result in Ikenne will be a defining factor in whether the defending champions can maintain their top-flight status.

Betting Predictions

Remo Stars vs Niger Tornadoes:

Remo Stars to Win: The defending champions are in a desperate fight for survival, currently sitting in the relegation zone (19th) with 40 points. However, their home record in Ikenne remains their greatest asset, having secured 11 of their 12 total wins on home turf this season. Returning to their familiar ground for this must-win fixture should give them the edge over a mid-table side with little left to play for.
Under 2.5 Goals: While Remo Stars are favorites to win, Niger Tornadoes boast one of the more disciplined defenses in the bottom half of the table, having conceded only 31 goals in 34 matches. Tornadoes held the league leaders, Enugu Rangers, to a 0-0 draw in their last outing, suggesting they will be difficult to break down even if they struggle to score away from home.
Remo Stars Clean Sheet - Yes: Niger Tornadoes have a dismal away record this season, managing only one victory in 17 attempts on the road. With the pressure of relegation looming, expect Remo Stars to prioritize defensive solidity and aim for a narrow, professional victory to keep their survival hopes alive.

This Match Day 35 clash is a complete reversal of last season's fortunes. A year ago, Remo Stars beat Tornadoes 1-0 to win the league; today, they need the same result just to stay in it. With Niger Tornadoes safe in 12th place, the urgency lies entirely with the hosts, who will rely on the "Ikenne factor" and interim coach Usman Abd’Allah’s tactical discipline to secure three vital points.

Check here for betting odds.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 35: Safe Tornadoes aim to deepen Remo Stars’ survival worries in Ikenne

Betting Predictions

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