This time, all scheduled fixtures for matchday nine of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season went down across different centres.
It ended in a five-goal thriller in Eket as Akwa United pipped Daniel Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars 3-2. Sikiru Alimi headed home his eight goal of the season to break the deadlock fifteen minutes into the game. Similarly, Dare Ojo head in Akintunde Bala’s cross to restore parity eight minutes later. In the 26th minute, Uche Collins registered his first goal of the season to make it 2-1 in favour of Akwa and substitute, Rilwan Sadiq further increased the lead with his first touch through Bala’s effort (second assist of the game) two minutes after the hour mark. Aniekeme Okon reduced the deficit in the 78th minute as the Promise Keepers came out victorious. The win sees Fatai Osho’s side in 17th (10 points) – and the Sky Blue Stars with a game in hand are fourth with 15 points.
At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Abia Warriors suffered a 2-1 loss in the hands of Rivers United. Alex Oyowah fired home a penalty in the 39th minute as Rivers opened the scoring – and Ifeanyi Anaemena’s own goal increased the lead for the host with eight minutes left. Meanwhile, Anaemena then converted a spot-kick two minutes later for his side. The Pride of Rivers managed by Stanley Eguma have now accumulated 12 points (9th) and Abia have same points in 11th.
Gbenga Ogunbote’s Shooting Stars recorded a slim 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Ibadan (Lekan Salami Stadium). Abdulkareem Ayinde Ademola found the back of the net a minute after the hour mark to seal the win for the Oluyole Warriors. It’s 17 points for Shooting after 9 games in third, while Pillars are 12th with 12 points having played the same number of games.
Alalibo Somiari’s goal in the 88th minute was enough for Enyimba to get the better of Lobi Stars in Aba. Following the win, Finidi George’s men have garnered 10 points and 16th placed, with two outstanding games; whereas the Pride of Benue have played all games thus far; recorded 17 points and second on the log.
In a related development, Gombe United returned to winning ways in a 1-0 result versus Niger Tornadoes at the Pantami Stadium after being humiliated by Remo Stars (4 nil) in Ikenne in their last outing. Gombe claimed the success earlier in the game when Umar Abba made it count in the 13th minute. Gombe occupies the 13th place (12 points) after the win; and Tornadoes (Ikon Allah Boys) are 19th with eight (8) points.
Elsewhere, Andrew Majalisa’s 22nd minute goal propelled Doma United to edge Plateau United 1-0 at the Pantami Stadium. Akinade Onigbinde’s Doma currently leads the table after amassing 17 points and the Peace Boys have 13 points (7th).
The tie between Bendel Insurance and Kwara United ended 2-2 in Benin City (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium). Sodiq Yusuf recorded the opener fourteen minutes into the game, thereby putting the visitor’s ahead. Stephen Sodje fired home the equalizer in the 27th minute – and Godwin Oshagbemi restored Kwara’s lead before half-time break. The host responded for the second time at the latter stages through Ismael Sarki. The Benin Arsenal tutored by Monday Odigie can boast of 13 points (6th) with a game yet to be played and the Harmony Boys are 15th after getting 10 points in 9 matches.
Sporting Lagos and Heartland shared the spoils in a one-all result at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos. Chisom Orji scored in his own net to give Heartland the lead in the 75th minute and Jonathan Alukwu forced the game to a draw, netting the equalizer at the death of the minute. The result leaves Paul Offor’s Sporting in 8th with 12 points and Christian Obi’s Heartland have 6 points – bottom of the table.
Sunshine Stars also rescued a point (1-1) from their face-off with Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium. John Bassey, who replaced injured Emo James in the 37th minute, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to slot in a penalty (48th minute) to put Bayelsa in front. However, Opeoluwa Olufemi ensured both teams shared the spoils after levelling terms with eight minutes left. The Restoration Boys led by Diepreye Teibowei have garnered 8 points and 18th on the standings, while Edith Agoye’s Akure Gunners have amassed 10 points in 14th position.
Having kept a clean sheet in a 1 nil win against Rivers United in their last game, Katsina United yet again didn’t concede as they forced Enugu Rangers to a stalemate contest on the road. Consequently, Rangers sits fifth with 15 points – and the Chanji Boys have 12 points in 10th.
In the end, six (6) teams picked up wins, while the other games ended in a draw – and 20 goals were recorded.
