After the first mid-week games for the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season were decided some days ago, the matchday seven (7) matches equally had its way over the weekend.
Shooting Stars decimated Niger Tornadoes in a 4-1 result in Ibadan (Lekan Salami Stadium). Ayobami Adekunle gave Shooting the lead seventeen minutes into the game and Ernest Chidibere was in the right place to level terms in the 35th minute. However, Gbenga Ogunbote’s side netted three more goals afterwards. Ayodeji Bamidele restored the lead in the 46th minute and Adelowo Gbolagade increased it further four minutes after the hour mark – Kareem Ayinde ‘buried’ the game before full-time whistle. The Oluyole Warriors are second, tied on same points with the leaders (Rangers – 13 points) compared to Tornadoes’ seven (7) points in 18th.
In the Northeast derby that went down between Gombe United and Doma United, Doma dominated – thereby showing forth a convincing three nil triumph at Pantami Stadium. Emmanuel Ekpenyong brought the scoresheet to life in the 52nd minute, another Emmanuel but Jesam this time around, increased the lead two minutes later – and Jesam grabbed his second in the 86th minute to complete the task. The Savannah Tigers (Doma) have amassed 7 points in 15th but with two outstanding games and the Savannah Scorpions are 10th after gathering 9 points in all games played thus far.
Heartland couldn’t find the back of the net as they lost to Enugu Rangers 2 nil at Awka City Stadium. It took just three minutes before Kazeem Ogunleye broke the deadlock and Kenneth Igboke doubled the lead to seal the win for Fidelis Ilechukwu led side. Consequently, the Flying Antelopes leads the table after accumulating 13 points and the Nazy Millionaires, tutored by Christian Obi are still lethargic in bottom with four (4) points.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors pipped Katsina United 2-1 at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The tie started off with Ibrahim Dehinde sending in a quality free-kick in the 11th minute as the Warriors opened the scoring. Dehinde recorded his second (brace), this time, he was assisted by Samson Obi in the 21st minute. Meanwhile, Azeez Falolu reduced the deficit – scoring for the visitors four minutes to the end of action. Abia Warriors have secured 12 points following the win, thus fourth (4th) on the log and Tony Bolus’ men are 13th with 8 points.
A penalty converted by Chijioke Mbaoma before half-time break was enough for Enyimba to get the better of Kwara United in Aba. The defending champions managed by Finidi George are in an unusual poistion (7 points in 16th) – though with three outstanding games, whereas the Harmony Boys sits 14th, having garnered a total of eight (8) points.
In another clash that ended in a similar fashion, Bendel Insurance ran away with a slim victory over Daniel Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Ismail Sarki registered the goal for Monday Odigie’s team in the 25th minute. The Benin Arsenal can be found in 6th place with 10 points, despite two games in hand – and the Sky Blues Stars are third (12 points) with one outstanding match.
Edith Agoye’s Sunshine Stars forced Rivers United to a goal apiece at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Osimaga Duke netted for Sunshine in the 51st minute – and Alex Oyowah responded with the equaliser in the latter stages of the contest. The Pride of Rivers are currently 8th with nine (9) points and the Akure Gunners are 12th after claiming eight (8) points.
At the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa United and Plateau United clash ended in a stalemate affairs. The result means Fatai Osho’s side have amassed 7 points in 7 games and 17th on the standings, while Mbwas Mangut’s Plateau are 7th with 10 points in 7 games.
With eight (8) games played, the two matches remaining to complete the matchday seven fixtures will be played today by 4pm. Hence, Bayelsa United will play host to Lobi Stars at the Samson Siasia Stadium and Paul Offor’s Sporting Lagos and Kano Pillars will slug it out at Onikan Stadium.
The matches that took place produced 17 goals – 6 wins and 2 draws and certainly, there will be changes after the concluding ties on Monday (today).
