NPFL24: 3SC, Abia nicks late victory as Enyimba goes top

By Osaro Matthew

A total of 25 goals were scored across nine centers on match day 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023/24 season, Platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

With a goal at every match venue, there were seven home wins and an away win. Rivers United v Niger Tornadoes could not hold because of the former’s engagement on the continent.

Bayelsa United 2-0 Doma United

Bayelsa United extended their unbeaten record to five after a brace from Ekeson Okorie gave the home side a 2-0 victory over Doma United. The victory takes them to 14th on the log and three points away from relegation zone.

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Akwa United

The Lagos fans witnessed a spectacle at the Onikan Stadium as the home side made a dramatic comeback after being a goal down early in the second half. Suleiman Sani put the visitors in front in the 51st minute. Tochukwu Michael stole the day, scoring a brace late in the game to give his side maximum points. The goals came in the 83rd and 90th minutes. Akwa United who finds themselves in relegation waters have now lost three matches in a row.

Sunshine stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

The Akure Gunners escaped relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Benue   side,Lobi Stars. Goals from Temitope Vincent in the 15th minute and Chigozie Iwundu in the 32nd minute ensured that Lobi Stars doesn’t remain top of the log. The visitors currently sit second on the table with 39points.

Katsina United 3-2 Kano Pillars

It was a five goal thriller in the Northern derby at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, with the home side taking all three points. Jonas Emmanuel put the host in front in the first half but four goals were scored in the second with both teams scoring two goals apiece. The host who are in fine form are now unbeaten in three games.

HeartlandFC 1-5 Plateau United

It was an embarrassing defeat for the Nazi Millionaires as the were pummeled at home by their opponents. Goals from Olawale Doyeni, Lawrence Agbor, Nenrot Silas, Victor Makalala and Harrison Ebah, ensured an emphatic victory for the visitors. Onyekachi Okafor got the consolation goal for the host in added time. Due to the poor performance of the side, HeartlandFC have released a statement stating that, players of the club will be receiving half salary till further notice.

Rangers 1-0 Remo Stars

Rangers defeated Remo Stars 1-0 with Kenechukwu Agu scoring the decider in the 56th minute. The visitors  currently sits fifth on the log with a point behind Rangers who are fourth with 37points.

Enyimba 4-0 Gombe United

The host went top of the table after a 4-0 victory over Gombe United. Goals from Uche Collins, Imo Obot and a brace from Chijioke Mbaoma ensured that the People’s Elephant become table toppers sharing 39points with Lobi but having a better goal difference of +7.

3SC 1-0 Bendel Insurance

The Benin Arsenals were defeated by a controversial lone goal at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Shooting Stars of Ibadan are a point behind Sunday Odigie side who are currently ninth on the log. The deciding goal from Taiye Murtala, came after regulation time, in the third of the five added minutes.

Abia warriors 1-0 Kwara United

On Thursday, February 29, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors defeated Kwara United by a goal to nil. Sunday Megwo scored the decider in the 53rd minute to give the home side all three points.