Lobi Stars of Makurdi defeated visiting Sporting Lagos FC 1-0 on Sunday at the Lafia Township Stadium, to remain top of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table, following Sunday Chukwu’s solitary strike in the 29th minute of a keenly contested encounter.
Lobi Stars now have 17 points after eight matches, two clear of Remo Stars, who thrashed Gombe United 4-0 in Ikenne to stay second, with a game in hand.
Alimi Sikiru scored a brace for the Sky-Blues in the 27th and 83rd minute. His two goals were complemented with others from Franck Mawuena on the 33rd minute and Okon Aniekeme in the 58th minute.
At the Ilorin Sports Complex, a late goal in added time by Mohammed Alao ensued that Kwara United drew level against ten-man Shooting Stars.
Team captain, Malomo Taofik Ayodeji opened the scoring for the Oluyole Warriors in the 44th minute of the game, before he was also sent-off just within 60 seconds of his opener. However, the Afonja Warriors secured a late equaliser to level the scores at 1-1.
Enugu Rangers needed a stoppage time goal from Jonas Emmanuel to force Sunshine Stars to a 2-2 draw in Akure.
Veteran striker, Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front after just four minutes but the Akure Gunners fought back and levelled up in the 13th minute through Ibrahim Yusuf.
Sunshine Stars appeared to be going for an important victory when Moses Onome Omoduemuke put them ahead in the 76th minute before Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side secured a 90+3 minutes equaliser.
Rangers are the only side to have scored in every match this season.
At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United continued their impressive form by thrashing Abia Warriors 3-1 to move to fifth in the table.
All four goals, including an own goal by Ogu Jerry, were scored in the first half.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofarmata, a 71st minute strike by Abba Adam, gave four-time NPFL champions Kano Pillars a 1-0 victory over struggling Enyimba FC.
Bendel Insurance secured their second consecutive draw, after holding Niger Tornadoes of Minna goalless at the ABS Stadium in Kaduna, to leave the Ikon Allah Boys, one spot above relegation, with with 8 points, after eight matches.
The struggles of former champions Rivers United, this season, continued as Saleh Monsour’s second half strike in the 47th minute condemned the Pride of Rivers to a 1-0 defeat against Katsina United, in a game played behind closed doors, at the Mohammadu Dikko Stadium.
On Wednesday, Bayelsa United host winless Heartland FC of Owerri at the Samson Siasia Stadium, in Yenagoa.
Match Day 8 Results
Kano Pillars 1-0 Enyimba FC
Kastina United 1-0 Rivers United
Kwara United 1-1 Shooting Stars
Lobi Stars 1-0 Sporting Lagos
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Plateau United 3-1 Abia Warriors
Remo Stars 4-0 Gombe United
Sunshine Stars 2-2 Rangers International
Wednesday November 15th
Bayelsa United vs Heartland FC
Leave a Reply