Bendel Insurance continue their impressive start to the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 1-0 home win over Enyimba, opening a seven points gap at the top of group A.
Osarenkhoe Imade scored his sixth goal of the season to put the host in front inside 23rd minute, finishing expertly inside the box to help Insurance remain unbeaten half way point of the season.
The victory moves the Monday Odigie’s side seven points clear of second placed Enyimba Int’l in Group A standings with 23 points from nine games as the league goes into three weeks season break.
3SC 2 – 2 Akwa United
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars failed to secure a win at home for a second time running as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Akwa United.
Joshua Akpan scored in the 15th minutes to give Gbenga Ogunbote’s side the lead, before Uche Collins and Liman Ahmadu strikes in the 21st and 24th minutes to give Akwa United a 2-1 lead.
Ajani Ibrahim grabbed the equalizer with a brilliant strike outside the boxin the final minutes of the first half to brought the home side level.
Sunshine Stars 1 – Wikki Tourists
In Akure, Sunshine Stars returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over visiting Wikki Tourists.
Samson Olasupo’s goal in the 57th minute helped the Edith Agoye’s side to secure a vital win at home and move Sunshine Stars to second position in Group B with 15 points.
Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Dakkada FC
In Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes bounced back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over struggling Dakkada FC.
David Okoromi continues his fine scoring form with the match winner in the 57th minute to give the Abubakar Bala’s side a vital victory in front of the home supporters.
Lobi Stars 2 – 0 Doma United
In Jos, Joseph Atule and Umar Abba scored in the first half to give Lobi Stars a comfortable 2-0 home win over Doma United.
The victory still leaves Baba Ganaru’s side top in Group B with 19 points, four clear of second placed Sunshine Stars.
Bayelsa United 1 – 1 Rangers Int’l
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United remain winless at home in the last three matches with a 1-1 draw against Rangers Int’l.
Godwin Obaje scored with his first touch of the game to give the Flying Antelopes an early lead inside five minutes with a thunderbolt strike outside the box, before Robert Mizo levelled for the host in the 40th minute.
The draw leaves Rangers Int’l in seventh position with nine points from nine games while Bayelsa United remain bottom of Group B standings on seven points from eight games.
NPFL Matchday 9 Results
Group A
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Enyimba Int’l
Shooting Stars 2-2 Akwa United
Group B
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Wikki Tourists
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Dakkada FC
Lobi Stars 2-0 Doma United
Bayelsa United 1-1 Rangers Int’l
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