Bendel Insurance brought Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season to an end with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Benin City on Sunday, while Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars share the spoils in the South-West derby, after a 2-2 draw in Match-day 10 action.
Bendel Insurance Hand Rivers United First Defeat
Bendel Insurance claimed a memorable victory over Rivers United, with Jonathan James scoring a stoppage-time winner to end the visitors’ unbeaten run. The hosts took the lead three minutes into the second half through Freeman Wuchirwe, but Rivers United responded as Chijioke Mbaoma equalised with 17 minutes remaining. Just when the encounter appeared to be heading for a draw, James struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Bendel Insurance.
Ikorodu City Fight Back to Hold Shooting Stars
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, Ikorodu City staged an impressive comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars in an entertaining South-West derby. Shooting Stars looked set for victory after Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian scored to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Ikorodu City refused to surrender, with Donald Obiajulu scoring twice to bring the hosts back into the contest and ensure both teams shared the points.
Niger Tornadoes Claim Away Victory
Niger Tornadoes recorded the only away win of the weekend, after defeating Abia Warriors 1-0 in Aba. Wasiu Jimoh scored the decisive goal four minutes before the hour mark, handing the visitors a valuable victory on the road.
Nasarawa United Edge Enyimba
At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over nine-time Nigerian champions Enyimba. Jofrank Istifanus proved to be the difference-maker, scoring in the 23rd minute to give the hosts all three points against the Aba-based side. Enyimba remain 19th on the log, as they continue to struggle this season.
Barau FC and Kwara United Share Points
Barau FC and Kwara United played out a 1-1 draw in Kano. Anthony Sunday put Barau FC ahead five minutes before half-time, giving the hosts the advantage at the break. Kwara United responded after the hour mark, with Goodluck Ogbolu finding the equaliser three minutes after the 60-minute mark to ensure the points were shared.
Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars Play Out Goalless Draw
Warri Wolves and four-time NPFL champions Kano Pillars settled for a goalless draw in Ozoro, with neither side managing to find the breakthrough.
Katsina United Stage Dramatic Late Rally Against Plateau United
In another thrilling encounter, Katsina United came from two goals down to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Plateau United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday. Plateau United took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by Umar Rabiu and carried their advantage into the half-time break. The visitors looked to have sealed the victory when Jibril Ibrahim doubled their lead in the 82nd minute.
However, Katsina United responded almost immediately, with Yusha’u Armiya’u reducing the deficit in the 84th minute to set up a tense finale. Deep into stoppage time, Rabiu redeemed himself for his earlier own goal by finding the equaliser and rescuing a valuable point for Katsina United.
NPFL Match Results
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United
- Barau FC 1-1 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Ikorodu City 2-2 Shooting Stars
- Kun Khalifat 1-0 Inter Lagos
- Nasarawa United 1-0 Enyimba
- Warri Wolves 0-0 Kano Pillars
- Katsina United 2-2 Plateau United
