NPFL Matchday 5 Round-up: Rivers Ends Lobi Unbeaten Run, Sporting Lagos Returns to Winning Ways

With each passing week, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2023/2024 season is gathering momentum as we witnessed matchday five games in different parts of the country.

Alex Oyowah’s goal in the 42nd minute for Rivers United was the decider over Lobi Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. The defeat put an end to the Pride of Benue unbeaten run in the ongoing campaign, having registered two wins and two draws thus placed 6th with 8 points after 5 games and Stanley Eguma’s side are 10th with 7 points in 5 games.

Sporting Lagos returned to winning ways – defeating Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at the Onikan Stadium. Jonathan Alukwu put Sporting ahead twenty-six minutes into the game and Junior Lokosa increased the lead with his first goal of the season in the 45th minute, however Yahuza Bala, who was assisted by Bashir Usman pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 67th minute. Prior to the tie, Paul Offor’s team are on a winless streak in three games – playing out stalemate affairs against Doma United & Akwa United respectively – and suffering a 2-1 defeat in the South-West Derby against Remo Stars in Ikenne last week. The win takes the Noisy Lagosians to 7th on the standings (8 points) and the Ikon Allah Boys are 12th with 6 points.

At the Akwa City Stadium, Enugu Rangers pummeled Kano Pillars in a 4-1 result. Muhammad Yakubu opened the scoring for Pillars to have the advantage in the 11th minute but Rangers overturned the deficit, starting with Godwin Obaje’s well taken penalty (his second league goal this season) in the 24th minute. Isaac Saviour scored the second for Rangers and Chukwudi Nwaodu’s brace came in the 57th and 63rd minute respectively to make it four. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men sits top with 10 points and Sai Musa Gida are below in 14th (6 points).

Shooting Stars claimed a 3-1 triumph over Doma United of Gombe at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. Nelson Abiam struck first as Doma took the lead but Gbenga Ogunbote’s side fought back after Adelowo Gbolagade converted a spot-kick before half-time. Kareem Ayinde registered the second goal in the hour mark and Gideon Monday concluded it before full-time. The Oluyole Warriors are currently second having garnered 10 points and the Savannah Tigers are 16th, 4 points with an outstanding game.

In Katsina (Muhammadu Dikko Stadium), Katsina beat Sunshine Stars in a five-goal thriller (3-2). Michael Olalusi scored the opener in the 23rd minute (Sunshine) and Michael Ibe Okoro equalized for the host in the 45th minute. Meanwhile, Sunshine went ahead yet again through Olalusi (third league goal so far this season) and Bello Lukman recorded a brace to take his tally to three in the 49th and 62nd minute respectively. Tony Bolus’ Katsina side are 8th (8 points) – and the Akure Gunners occupies 17th position with 4 points.

Diepreye Teibowei’s Bayelsa United pipped Kwara United 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa. Robert Mizo registered the first goal as early as ten minutes (Bayelsa) and Samuel Ayanrinde scored the equalizer eight minutes later and Mizo grabbed his brace (fifth goal – top scorer so far in the NPFL) to propel the Restoration Boys to success. It’s now six points accumulated by Bayelsa (11th) compared to the Harmony Boys’ five points (15th).

Meme Okike’s goal in the 8th minute aided Abia Warriors to edge Heartland in Oriental Derby at the Umuahia Township Stadium. With the result, Abia takes the fifth place on 9 points and Christian Obi’s side in 19th – on three points.

Gombe United secured a narrow 1-0 win against Plateau United at the Pantami Stadium. Aliko Bala was fouled by Eric Oguacha and a penalty was awarded to the Gombe team. Sadiq Shuaibu stepped forward and converted it in the additional time after the 90th minute mark. Shuaibu was sent off three minutes after scoring and Uche Onwosanya was also red carded for Plateau before stoppage time. The victors are 4th with nine points – and the Peace Boys are 13th (6 points).

It was a goalless contest between Monday Odigie’s Bendel Insurance and Fatai Osho’s Akwa United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The Benin Arsenal occupies 9th on the table having amassed 7 points with a game in hand and the Promise Keepers are still left bottom of the table after three consecutive scoreless draws.

Enyimba’s clash with Remo Stars was postponed – totalling three outstanding games for Finidi George’s side and one for Daniel Ogunmodede’s Sky Blue Stars.

Nine games in total were played in week five and 23 goals were recorded – the highest matchday goals so far this season, coupled with eight wins and a draw.