The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another exciting round of fixtures, with several teams recording important victories while others continued to struggle for consistency.
Barau FC maintained their unbeaten start to the new season after playing out a goalless draw against hosts Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday. Both sides created opportunities to claim all three points but were unable to find the breakthrough. The result means Barau FC remain second on the table with eight points from four matches.
Inter Lagos Claim Historic Win Over Enyimba
Enyimba’s difficult start to the season continued on Sunday as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Inter Lagos in Aba. Ezekiel Moses scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute to hand the newcomers a memorable victory. The result marked Inter Lagos’ first-ever win in the NPFL and their first points of the season after losing their opening three matches.
For Enyimba, however, the defeat extended their winless start. The Aba giants remain without a point from their three matches and currently sit at the bottom of the table.
Rangers Continue Unbeaten Run
Defending champions Enugu Rangers continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 4-2 away victory over Kun Khalifat FC.
Preye Seikorowei, Ayuba Umar, Temitope Folarin and Waheed Adebayo all found the net for Rangers, while Chimobi Igwilo scored twice for the hosts. The result keeps the defending champions unbeaten as they continue their title defence.
Abia Warriors Secure First Win
Abia Warriors recorded their first victory of the season with a 2-0 away win over Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Ikoi Etta and Emeka Obioma were on target for the Warriors as they secured a valuable three points on the road. The victory provides a much-needed boost for Abia Warriors after their opening fixtures.
Kano Pillars End Doma United’s Winning Run
Kano Pillars produced one of the standout performances of the matchday, defeating Doma United 4-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The hosts raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Abdullahi Musa and Rabiu Ali. Doma United pulled one back in the 53rd minute through Sadiq Rilwan, but Kano Pillars responded strongly, with Ahmed Musa and Nasiru Salihu adding two more goals to complete a convincing victory.
Despite the heavy defeat, Doma United remain top of the table with nine points from four matches.
Plateau United Fight Back Against Shooting Stars
Plateau United came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Shooting Stars in Jos.
Shooting Stars made a flying start when Taheer Abubakar scored just one minute into the match. Plateau United responded impressively, with Jibrin Ibrahim, Seiyefa Jackson and Gideon Monday finding the net to complete the comeback and secure all three points.
Katsina United Pick Up First Win
Katsina United also celebrated their first victory of the season after edging Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Abdulrahman Garba scored the only goal of the match in the 21st minute, giving Katsina United a crucial three points.
Ranchers Bees Complete Comeback Against Bendel Insurance
Ranchers Bees came from behind to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Kano.
Chiedozie Jude Okorie put the hosts ahead four minutes after the restart before Lekan Gabriel equalised for Bendel Insurance in the 66th minute. Ranchers Bees eventually claimed victory through Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu, who struck 11 minutes from full-time.
The goal was particularly significant for Zulkifilu, taking his tally to five goals in the NPFL this season.
Warri Wolves Edge Kwara United
Warri Wolves secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Ozoro. Ejike Ezekiel scored the only goal of the encounter as Warri Wolves claimed all three points in a closely contested fixture.
Nasarawa United Hold Rivers United
Nasarawa United and Rivers United shared the points after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Lafia City Stadium.
Rivers United took the lead in the 66th minute through Harrison Ebah, but Nasarawa United levelled after Musa Yakubu turned the ball into his own net. Neither side could find a winning goal as the points were shared in Lafia.
