NPFL: Bayelsa United's Mitzo Bags First Hat-trick As 3SC, Katsina, Others Pick Home Wins

NPFL: Bayelsa United's Mitzo Bags First Hat-trick As 3SC, Katsina, Others Pick Home Wins

By Emmanuel Chinedu 

The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got underway across seven Matchday 1 centres today, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

In Ibadan, Oge Emmanuel scored the first goal of the campaign as Shooting Stars defeated Plateau United 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium. 

While Anayo Ogbonna also on the score sheet for the Gbenga Ogunbote led side in their home victory. 

In Yenagou, Robert Mizo bagged the first Hat Trick of the season as Bayelsa United came back from three goals down to secures a 5-3 victory over Akwa United, at the Samson Siasia Stadium. 

Hadi Mohammed put Promise Keepers ahead in the 20th minute before Jerry Alex equalized for the host.

Oguntayo Seyi restored Akwa’s lead in the 38th minute and Robert Mirzo levelled up on the stroke of halftime.

The away side was back in front in the 75th minute and Mirzo was on hand to equalise again in the 81st minute.

Mitzo completed his hat trick in the 87th minute and the host scored the 5th goal in the 95th minute.

While In Awka, Rangers International start the season on a bright note as they defeated Doma United, 2-1, at the Awka City Stadium. 

Kalu Nweke and Austin Onyemachi gave the Fidelis IIechukwu led side a comfortable 2-0 lead, before Samuel Owoke pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 75 minutes. 

John Peter netted the only goal of the encounter as Abia Warriors secured a narrowly 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Umuahia Township stadium.

While in Katsina, Katsina United defeated Kwara United 1-0 with Lukman Bello scoring the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute.

Newly promoted Heartland FC rallied back from a 2-goal down to hold Lobi Stars to a 2-2 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. 

Waheed Adebayo gave Lobi Stars the lead in the 15th minute before Odinaka Francis made it 2-0 in the 38th minute.

Patrick Nwogbaga started the host resurgence in the 73rd minute with a well-taken goal while Ezekiel Bassey completed the comeback in the 87th minute as the game ended 2-2.

While at the Ondo Sports complex Stadium, Sunshine Stars defeated Kano Pillars 1-0  with a winning goal by Isaac Emmanuel.

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