The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season witnessed matchday fourteen (14) round of games across different centres bar one over the weekend.
Plateau United humiliated Bayelsa United 5-1 at the New Jos Stadium. Albert Hilary shone like a million star, scoring hat-trick in the encounter. Hilary broke the deadlock twenty-two minutes into the game and grabbed his second two minutes later. Ekeson Okorie scored the visitors only goal in the 28th minute and Hilary’s third came a minute after the hour mark. Nenrot Silas recorded the fourth in the 67th minute and Chimezie Izuchukwu made it five with a minute left to play. Mbwas Mangut’s Plateau (the Peace Boys) are fourth after the win on 22 points and a game yet to be played, while the Restoration Boys are bottom (13 points).
Kano Pillars defeated Daniel Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars 2-1 in Kano, Sani Abacha Stadium. Ibrahim Mustapha scored the opener in the 50th minute to give Pillars the lead – and Dayo Ojo levelled terms in the 72nd minute, but Rabiu Ali restored the lead seven minutes later to win it for the host. Pillars are placed 6th on 22 points and Remo sits top of the standings having amassed 26 points.
Enugu Rangers thrashed Sporting Lagos in a two nil scoreline at home. Austin Onyemaechi was on target nine minutes into the game and Kenechukwu Agu sealed it from the spot in the second half. Rangers, managed by Fidelis Ilechukwu are short of a game in 10th (18 points), while Paul Offor’s Noisy Lagosians, who also have an outstanding match are 13th (16 points).
Elsewhere (Umuahia Township Stadium), Abia Warriors secured a slim 3-2 victory over Shooting Stars of Ibadan. Shooting took the lead in the 39th minute through Anayor Ogbonna, and Kelechi Nnochiri fed off Yakubu Monday to restore parity before half-time whistle. In the 58th minute, Abia gained a penalty when Paschal Nwabueze was fouled in the box and the penalty was well taken by Ifeanyi Anaemena. Solomon Obi, who capitalized on Nwabueze’s pass further increased the tally in the 81st minute – and Kareem Ademola reduced the deficit for Shooting on the stroke of full-time. Gbenga Ogunbote’s side also had a penalty before half-time break, but it was saved by Abia goalkeeper, Paschal Uzoigwe. Abia have gathered 20 points in 8th position and the Oluyole Warriors are 9th (19 points).
Lobi Stars pipped Doma United 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium. Stanley Chukwudi Oganbor scored for Lobi after four minutes of action and Suleiman Mojereola made it two in the 79th minute, while Samuel Enefiok, who replaced Kazeem Abdulrafiu in the 46th minute, struck late for Doma. The Pride of Benue have 26 points in second place and Doma (Savannah Tigers) are behind with a point difference.
Chidiebere Ajoku’s late first half goal earned Heartland all three points in their face-off with Akwa United at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Ajoku’s winner was the second for Kennedy Boboye’s team in the current NPFL campaign and that makes it 13 points (18th) for the Naze Millionaires, while Fatai Osho’s men (the Promise Keepers) are a point above.
In a related development in Katsina (Muhammadu Dikko Stadium), Ezeh Chidera’s spot-kick in the 74th minute made the difference for Katsina United versus Monday Odigie’s Bendel Insurance. Tony Bolus’ Katsina side, otherwise known as Chanji Boys have an outstanding game, secured 17 points in 11th – and the Benin Arsenal have garnered 20 points, 7th on the log.
Gombe United forced Sunshine Stars to a goal apiece contest at the Akure Township Stadium. Aniete Uko gave Edith Agoye’s Sunshine the advantage in the 32nd minute but it was cancelled out by Gombe with 16 minutes left on the clock. The Akure Gunners have 17 points (12th), while Gombe (the Savannah Scorpions) are 15th with 16 points.
No goal was recorded in the tie between Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes at the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin, hence both teams got a point. Kwara (the Harmony Boys) occupies the 14th position having accumulated 16 points and the Ikon Allah Boys are in the relegation zone (19th) as they have only picked up 13 points.
The game between Rivers United and Enyimba was postponed, leaving the Pride of Rivers with four outstanding matches in 16th (15 points), whereas Finidi George’s side have two games in hand and 5th on the log with 22 points.
The nine (9) matches played produced 23 goals; with Plateau United scoring most part of it (5) in a six-goal thriller against Bayelsa United; and there were 7 wins and 2 draws.
