The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed weekend, with Abia Warriors clinching their first away win, Plateau United dominating at home, and Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf continuing his scoring spree. Here’s a full recap of Matchday 9.
Abia Warriors Edge Bendel Insurance in Benin
Abia Warriors recorded their first away victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The decisive moment came five minutes before halftime when Sunday Megwo found the back of the net, securing the much-needed three points for Abia Warriors.
Niger Tornadoes Draw with Katsina United in Away Streak
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Niger Tornadoes maintained their impressive away form in a 1-1 stalemate against Katsina United. Papa Daniel gave Tornadoes the lead just before halftime, but Katsina United responded in the second half, with Bello Lukman scoring the equalizer in the 54th minute.
Rivers United Resilient Against El-Kanemi Warriors
In Port Harcourt, league leaders Rivers United salvaged a 1-1 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors. Sama’ila Bello opened the scoring for the visitors on the hour mark, but Rivers United responded quickly, with Taofeek Otaniyi finding the net three minutes later. Rivers United remain at the top with 21 points from nine matches.
Heartland Back to Winning Ways in Owerri
Heartland FC snapped their winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Remo Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. Team captain Afolayan Peters secured the win with a decisive goal in the 71st minute, bringing relief to the home fans in Owerri.
Plateau United Cruise Past Sunshine Stars in Jos
Plateau United put on a dominant performance, thrashing Sunshine Stars 3-0 at the New Jos Stadium. Vincent Temitope scored the opener, while Sadiq Adamu added two more goals to seal a comfortable win for the Solid Miners.
Enyimba’s Last-Minute Heroics Against Ikorodu City
In Aba, Enyimba secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City with a stoppage-time winner. Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scored early for Enyimba, but Ikorodu City’s Toyeeb Ajeyigbe leveled the score in the 89th minute. However, Moses Adikwu clinched the win for the People’s Elephant with a dramatic late goal in the 92nd minute.
Shooting Stars Overcome Akwa United in Ibadan
Shooting Stars of Ibadan claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Akwa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Goals from Gideon Monday and Joshua Akpan put the Oluyole Warriors ahead, while Friday Apollos pulled one back for Akwa United.
Nasarawa United Triumph Over Kano Pillars
At home, Nasarawa United secured a 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars, thanks to a clinical strike from Anas Yusuf in the 40th minute. Yusuf’s ninth goal of the season proved to be the match-winner, earning Nasarawa all three points.
Matchday 9 Results:
• Bendel Insurance 0-1 Abia Warriors
• Katsina United 1-1 Niger Tornadoes
• Nasarawa United 1-0 Kano Pillars
• Heartland 1-0 Remo Stars
• Enyimba 2-1 Ikorodu City
• Plateau United 3-0 Sunshine Stars
• Rivers United 1-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
• Shooting Stars 2-1 Akwa United
