Nine matches of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League matchday four schedule were played on 21/22 October, 2023. AthleticNg presents a summary.
Last seasons surprise package, Bendel Insurance suffered their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Gombe United at the Pantami Township Stadium.
The game’s only goal came through Ahmed Jimoh in the 51st minute. It is the youngster’s second goal this term as he also scored in Gombe United’s 2-0 triumph over Enyimba on matchday two.
Heartland FC of Owerri continued their search for a first win of the campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
The visitors shot themselves in the foot when Central African Republic defender Alladoum Kolimba put through his own goal in the 4th minute of the encounter.
Michael Ibe scored United’s equaliser midway through the second period to force a 1-1 draw.
In Kano, veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali extended his record as the oldest goal-scorer in NPFL history when he scored the winner for Kano Pillars in their 1-0 win over ten-man Rivers United FC.
The Pride of Rivers defended with all they had, especially after Anthony Ohaegbu was sent off in the 74th minute.
But with the match heading towards a stalemate, Ali popped up inside the box in the second minute of added time and directed a stunning left-footed effort past goalkeeper Abiodun Akande, to spark celebration inside the Sani Abacha Stadium .
That is Sai Masu Gida’s first win this season . Coach Abdul Maikaba’s men suffered two draws and a defeat in their three previous games.
At the Eket Stadium, Shootings Stars picked up their first away point of the campaign as they held struggling Akwa United to a goalless draw .
Akwa United remain stuck at the foot of the NPFL table with only two points after four matches.
The 2021 NPFL winners are without a win after four games, as their record reads: two losses and two draws.
Alao Mohammed’s stunning strike was only good enough to earn Kwara United a 1-1 draw at home vs Enugu Rangers.
Rangers drew the game’s first blood through Kazeem Ogunleye shortly before the half-time break.
Mohammed, however, brought down the roof of the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, with his spectacular strike in the 53rd minute of the clash.
To the disappointment of their fans, the Afonja Warriors could not muster the winning goal as Enugu Rangers claimed their first point on the road.
Lobi Stars flew to second place on the league table after outclassing Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Lafia Township Stadium.
One of only two teams yet to taste defeat this season, Lobi Stars were business-like from kickoff and were already two goals to the good by the half-hour mark.
Liman Amadou gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute before Alao Danbani doubled the advantage ten minutes later.
Lobi Stars had little trouble keeping out Abia Warriors attackers for the remainder of the match as they made it eight points from a possible 12.
Plateau United sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Jos International Stadium. Albert Hilary scored the only goal of the game via a sensational free-kick in the 31st minute.
At the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Remo Stars came from behind to beat Sporting Lagos 2-1 and end the visitors’ unbeaten run.
With three points and the South West bragging rights on the line, fans anticipated a thrilling encounter in Ikenne, and they were not disappointed despite the heavy downpour.
Former Heartland ace Jonathan Alukwu stung the home team first as he gave Sporting Lagos the lead with a clever first-time finish in the 21st minute.
But Remo Stars responded in kind through Togo-born attacker Kwame Franck Mawuena ten minutes later.
The stalemate lasted till the 51st minute, though, when former Shooting Stars forward Sikiru Adewale Alimi converted from the penalty spot to hand Remo Stars a 2-1 win.
The victory lifted the Sky Blue Stars above Lobi Stars to the top of the league table with nine points earned from winning three of their four games.
Earlier on Saturday, Bayelsa United stumbled to their third defeat of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Niger Tornadoes.
