THE battle to secure a spot in the top four of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) continues to remain intense after Lobi Stars, Plateau United, Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars won at the league’s matchday 23 fixtures.

The matchday 23 fixtures began on Saturday, March 2, with the match between Remo Stars versus Bayelsa United played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The match ended 1-0 in favour of the host who broke the deadlock through Olamilekan Alade in the 72-minute to stay at the fourth position with 39 points.

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Results of matches played on Sunday, March 3, showed the Lobi Stars bounced back to winning ways after they defeated Katsina United 2-0 to maintain their position as the league’s table topper with 42 points.

Lobi Stars suffered a 0-2 defeat to Sunshine Stars in the matchday 22 fixture, leaving the title race open for Plateau United who closed the gap to a point.

Maintaining their winning streak, Plateau United continued with an impressive performance after they triumphed over Bendel Insurance, 2-0 to further demonstrate their hunger to claim the title after eight years of drought.

It could be recalled that Plateau United won an away win after trashing relegation-bound side Heartlands FC, 5-1 in the league’s matchday 22 fixture.

Another surprising away win in the matchday 23 fixtures was the match between Niger Tornadoes versus Enugu Rangers.

The match saw Enugu Rangers take an early lead through Chidiebere Nwobodo and Godwin Obaje in the 22nd and 25th minutes respectively.

The goals scored in the 30th minute into the first time gave the visitors an away win to keep themselves in the third position with 40 points.

However, the battle to move out of the relegation zone saw bottom-placed Heartland FC force 1-1 a draw against Sunshine Stars.

The draw kept Heartlands FC at the bottom of the league’s log with 19 points.

The matchday 23 fixtures continue today, Monday 4 and end on Tuesday, March 5.

Today’s encounters will see Akwa City play host to Enyimba International while Kano Pillars will lock horns against Abia Warriors.

Also, Sporting Lagos will slug it out against Doma United.

On Tuesday, March 5, Gombe United will face Shooting Stars.