The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continues to deliver thrilling action as match-day 12 saw a series of captivating contests across stadiums in the country. From a fierce South West derby in Lagos to a pulsating showdown in Kano, here’s a look at the weekend’s highlights.
Ikorodu City Edge Shooting Stars in South West Derby
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, Ikorodu City extended their unbeaten run to three games with a spirited 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars (3SC) of Ibadan. The South West derby got off to an electric start as Anthony Okachi fired 3SC into the lead in the 14th minute. However, the Oga Boys mounted a commendable comeback, with Shola Adelani and Rivio Ayemnwere each finding the net to turn the game around and secure a vital win for the hosts.
Musa Saves the Day for Kano Pillars Against Heartland
Meanwhile, the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano witnessed a thrilling 2-2 draw between Kano Pillars and Heartland. Fans were treated to an end-to-end battle that had them on the edge of their seats. Heartland broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half through Suraju Lawal. The response from Pillars was swift, as Rabiu Ali equalized just minutes later. Heartland’s Lawal scored again to restore their lead, but Ahmed Musa, the former Super Eagles captain, showed his class by leveling the score for the home side with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Remo Stars Hold Off Rivers United to Stay Top
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the league leaders held second-placed Rivers United to a goalless stalemate in a highly tactical encounter. Despite both teams’ efforts to break the deadlock, they shared the points, allowing Remo Stars to maintain their spot at the summit of the table.
Enugu Rangers Outlast Bendel Insurance in a Five-Goal Thriller
Defending champions Enugu Rangers edged out Bendel Insurance 3-2 in a nail-biting clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The Flying Antelopes raced to a 2-0 first-half lead with goals from Godwin Obaje and Frank Uwumiro. However, Bendel Insurance came roaring back after the break, as Effimi Nsi and Anthony Nnamdi scored to level the game. Uchenna Collins emerged as the hero for Rangers, netting the decisive goal just five minutes from time.
Abia Derby Ends in a Stalemate
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors and Enyimba shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Clinton Jephta put Enyimba ahead in the 9th minute, but the home side struck back through Adejoh Ojonugwa in the 22nd minute to ensure a balanced derby outcome.
Other Key Matches
• Kwara United 2-0 Plateau United: Emmanuel Ogbole was the star of the show, scoring twice to give Kwara United a crucial home win in Ilorin.
• Sunshine Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars: Peter Awosaanmi’s 48th-minute goal proved to be the difference as Sunshine Stars claimed victory in Akure.
• El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes: Ibrahim Mustapha’s lone strike secured three points for El-Kanemi Warriors at home.
• Bayelsa United 1-1 Katsina United: Both sides had to settle for a draw in a tightly contested match.
NPFL Matchday 12 Full Results:
• Kwara United 2-0 Plateau United
• Enugu Rangers 3-2 Bendel Insurance
• Sunshine Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars
• Abia Warriors 1-1 Enyimba
• Remo Stars 0-0 Rivers United
• Bayelsa United 1-1 Katsina United
• Ikorodu City 2-1 Shooting Stars
• El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
• Kano Pillars 2-2 Heartland
