With games approaching ‘thick and fast’, eighteen (18) goals were recorded in matchday three of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season over the weekend.
Remo Stars secured the first away win of the new season – defeating Bayelsa United 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium. The encounter witnessed the sending off of Bayelsa United’s goalkeeper, Oluwaseun Solomon in the 20th minute. However, Adams Olamilekan opened the scoring for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side with assist provided by Samuel Anakwe four minutes into the game – and Sikiru Alimi, who replaced Franck Muawena in the 72nd minutes, doubled the lead six minutes upon his introduction. Okorie Ekeson reduced the deficit for the Restoration Boys in the 88th minute. The Sky Blue Stars had earlier lost to Rivers United 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Thursday in their matchday one rescheduled fixture. Alex Oyowah scored first via a penalty in the 14th minute and Andy Okpe scored a 25-yard screamer against his former team before stoppage time to seal the victory. After three games, Remo Stars can boast of six points, while Diepreye Teibowei’s men have three points following two consecutive losses.
Bendel Insurance, who are yet to play their outstanding matchday one fixture against Enyimba; defeated Plateau United 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Austine Ogunye earned a spot-kick for Insurance and was converted by Benjamin Tanimu in the 15th minute, who won the Man of the Match award as Monday Odigie’s led side ran away with a slim victory. The Benin Arsenal have two wins in two games, whereas the Peace Boys have registered just one win in three games.
Elsewhere in Aba (Enyimba International Stadium), the People’s Elephant got the better of Akwa United in a five-goal thriller (3-2 result). Innocent Gabriel started the harvest of goals – netting for Finidi George’s side as early as the 13th minute and Chijioke Mbaoma doubled the advantage two minutes later. However, Kufre Ebong pulled one back for the Promise Keepers – burying a header before half-time break and David Philip fired in a free-kick to restore parity seven minutes after the hour mark. Two minutes later, Somiari Alalibo was in the right position to finish off for Enyimba’s first win of the ongoing campaign, while Fatai Osho’s team are languishing at the bottom of the table with a point.
Gbenga Ogunbote’s Shooting Stars also recorded a 2-1 victory over Gombe United at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Bala broke the deadlock in the 10th minute to give the travellers the lead but Taofeek Malomo’s brace in the 49th and 88th minute respectively turned the tie around for the Oluyole Warriors, thereby usurping opposition. Shooting sits fourth on the NPFL standings with six points – and their counterpart are 15th on the log after gathering three points.
In a related development, Enugu Rangers pipped Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at Awka City Stadium. Joel Odoh did justice to Kazeem Ogunleye’s free-kick by heading it home in the 17th minute, thus Rangers scored the opener. 26 minutes later, Obaje Godwin made it two capitalising on Nwobodo Chidiebere’s effort, however Bashiru Usman netted for the Ikon Allah Boys in the 54th minute to lessen the margin. Rangers are second behind Bendel Insurance (tied on same points) – whilst Tornadoes are 16th after recording one win.
This time, Kano Pillars fell short of triumph after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Abia Warriors at Umuahia Township Stadium. In the 31st minute, Emmanuel Onu’s cross located Sunday Megwo to score the only goal of the clash. Abia Warriors are third on the log after claiming 6 points and Kano Pillars farther down with three points (placed 18th).
Heartland rescued a point from Sunshine Stars in a goal apiece contest at the Akure Township Stadium. Michael Olalusi put Edith Agoye’s Sunshine in front through a penalty five minutes before half-time break and Patrick Nwogbaga responded for the Naze Millionaires later in the game. Ibrahim had the opportunity to restore Sunshine’s lead following a penalty call but it didn’t happen. While the Akure Gunners have 4 points and 10th on the table, Christian Obi’s Heartland occupy the pen-ultimate position having accumulated two points.
At the Mohammed Dikko Stadium, there is no goal to separate Tony Bolus’ Katsina United and Lobi Stars in their clash, thus it ended goalless. Consequently, Katsina United have garnered four points so far this season, compared to the Pride of Benue’s five.
Rivers United couldn’t capitalise on their 2-0 triumph against Remo Stars on Thursday as they played out a scoreless draw with Kwara United at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday. The Pride of Rivers and the Harmony Boys have had to settle for four points each after three round of games.
In another stalemate affair, Doma United of Gombe were able to hold their own against Sporting Lagos at Onikan Stadium. The result means Paul Offor’s men are yet to concede a goal and taste defeat – having amassed five points out of possible nine, and Akinade Onigbinde’s Doma are a point short of Sporting’s.
Eventually, matchday three climaxed with six (6) outright victors and four (4) draws as we await what matchday four brings.
