NPFL

Rangers, Sporting Lagos headlines exciting weekend in NPFL with eight home victories

Junior Lokossa and Sporting Lagos players celebrating their win against Niger Tornadoes
Photo credit: Sporting Lagos

The Nigeria Premier Football League matchday six brought football fans across the nation to the edge of their seats, with a slew of thrilling matches taking place in nine different centers. 

Rangers emerged as the week’s standout performers after a stunning comeback victory against Kano Pillars, securing the coveted top spot in the league standings.

At the Awka City Stadium on Saturday, Rangers faced off against Kano Pillars in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Muhammad Yakubu broke the deadlock for Kano Pillars in the 11th minute, only for Rangers to level the score from the spot, courtesy of Godwin Obaje, in the 24th minute.

Rangers fans erupted in joy when Isaac Saviour gave their team the lead for the first time, just six minutes before the hour mark. Innocent Saviour further extended their lead, and Nwaodu Chukwudi’s brace sealed the victory, making the final score an impressive 4-1 in favor of Rangers.

Meanwhile, at the Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plateau United. Sadiq Shuabu’s last-minute penalty was the deciding factor in the game, leaving Plateau United frustrated.

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Former champions Akwa United, however, could not find a breakthrough against Bendel Insurance, resulting in a goalless draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The draw means that Akwa United is still searching for their first win of the season.

Sunday brought an action-packed day in the Nigeria Premier Football League, with six matches taking place at various venues across the country. Home teams reigned supreme, resulting in a total of 17 goals being scored.

Sporting Lagos bounced back from their previous defeat to Remo Stars by clinching a 2-1 victory against Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Jonathan Alukwu and Junior Lokosa were the heroes for the home team, while Yahuza Bala scored a consolation goal for Niger Tornadoes.

Sporting Lagos created numerous opportunities throughout the game, with Alukwu breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute and Lokosa doubling the lead just before halftime. Niger Tornadoes managed to pull one back in the 71st minute through substitute Yahuza Bala.

In the Oriental derby, Abia Warriors secured a solitary-goal win against Heartland of Owerri, with Meme Okike’s eighth-minute strike proving to be the difference. The win propelled Abia Warriors to fifth place in the league standings.

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In other matches, Rivers United ended Lobi Stars’ unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win, thanks to Alex Oyowah’s 42nd-minute goal. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars came from behind to defeat Dom United 3-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Doma United took an early lead, but 3SC rallied with a penalty and two more goals, securing the victory and moving to second place in the league.

Katsina United made an impressive comeback to win 3-2 against Sunshine Stars, while Bayelsa United’s Robert Mizo’s brace secured their second home win of the season against Kwara United.

The Nigeria Premier Football League continues to captivate football enthusiasts with its intense action and surprises. As the league progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the next round of matches to see who will emerge as the top contenders.

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