It was continuation of action in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season as we witnessed matchday eight (8) games across the country over the weekend.
Remo Stars whitewashed Gombe United four nil in Ikenne. Sikiru Alimi opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Six minutes later, it was Franck Mawuena who doubled the lead and Aniekeme Okon made it three two minutes before the hour mark. Alimi recorded his second goal of the game after receiving a pass from Sodiq Ismail; made it past opposition defenders and beat the goalkeeper. Alimi is now the leading goalscorer with 7 goals after eight NPFL games; and Daniel Ogunmodede’s Sky Blues Stars are second with 15 points and a game in hand. The Savannah Scorpions are 15th with 9 points.
Plateau United claimed a 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors at the New Jos Stadium. All four goals in the encounter came in early starting with Chris Nwaeze goal in the 5th minute to put Plateau in front. Barnabas Daniel increased the lead in the 9th minute and an own goal scored by Jerry Ogu took it to three seven minutes later, but Meme Okolie reduced the deficit for Abia in the 27th minute. The Peace Boys are fifth on 13 points after claiming a win and the defeat leaves Abia at 8th on the log (12 points).
Nelson Abiam’s second goal of the season in the 18th minute, with assist provided by Sani Suleiman ensured Doma United got the better of Fatai Osho’s Akwa United at Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Consequently, Akinade Onigbinde’s Doma have accumulated 11 points in 10th position and a game yet to be played, while the Promise Keepers are still in their struggles – 7 points in 18th.
In a similar scoreline, Kano Pillars defeated Enyimba through Abah Adams’ goal in the 71st minute at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. Pillars have registered 12 points (7th) and Finidi George’s men (the People’s Elephant) are 17th with 7 points and 3 outstanding matches.
Tony Bolus’ Katsina United also secured a 1 nil win against Rivers United at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Sale Aliyu Mansour’s 47th minute goal was the decider in the tie. Mansour’s goal sees Katsina in 11th on the standings (11 points) and Stanley Eguma’s Pride of Rivers have 9 points (12th).
Defender, Chinedu Sunday scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute as Lobi Stars pipped Paul Offor’s Sporting Lagos at the Lafia City Stadium. Sunday won the Man of the Match award following his vital goal. The Makurdi team (Pride of Benue) tops the table with 17 points, and the Noisy Lagosians can be found in 9th with 11 points.
At the Akure Township Stadium, it ended two goals apiece between Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers. Godwin Onaje struck four minutes into the game to give Rangers the lead and Ibrahim Yusuf level terms nine minutes later. Sunshine then took the lead through Moses Omodumueke in the 76th minute but Emmanuel Jonas cancelled out Omodumueke’s goal before stoppage time. The Akure Gunners led by Edith Agoye have nine points in 13th, whereas Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Flying Antelopes are third having amassed 14 points.
Kwara United and Shooting Stars played out a one-all draw at the Kwara Sports Stadium. Samuel Ayanrinde had an opportunity to give the host the lead from a spot-kick in the 17th minute but he failed to make it count. Meanwhile, Malomo Taofeeq scored for the visitor in the 44th minute and was sent off before half-time break. Mohammed Alao found the back of the net in the 89th minute as the Harmony Boys fought back to get a draw. Kwara currently occupies 14th place (9 points) and Gbenga Ogunbote side are 4th with 14 points.
Monday Odigie’s Bendel Insurance forced Niger Tornadoes to a stalemate affair in Kaduna (Ahmadu Bello Stadium). The result leaves the Benin Arsenal in 6th with 12 points and an outstanding game, while Tornadoes are 16th on 8 points after 8 games.
The tie between Heartland and Bayelsa United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium didn’t go down as scheduled due to state elections, thus it will now be played on Wednesday, November 15 by 4pm.
Ultimately, the nine games of matchday 8 that took place had 18 goals – 6 wins and 3 draws, with Remo Stars being the biggest winner after annihilating Gombe United by four unreplied goals.
