NPFL: Enyimba Record 1st Victory As Akwa United Winless Streak Continues

NPFL: Enyimba Record 1st Victory As Akwa United Winless Streak Continues

By Emmanuel Chinedu 

The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, for Matchday 3 were concluded today across all seven match venues in the country, with Enyimba, Rangers, Abia Warriors, Shooting Stars And Remo Stars picked up the maximum three points, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 win over Kano Pillars, at the Umuahia Township Stadium. 

The Erasmus Onuh led side, who came into the game on the back of their 1-0 loss to Kwara last Sunday, responded with a quickly breakthrough goal, through Sunday Megwo, in the 31 minutes, after he slotted home a delightful cross by Emmanuel Onu. 

The Warriors defended in numbers to secured a vital three points and also their second win of the season. 

In Yenogoa, Remo Stars produced a remarkable display with a 2-1 victory over Bayslea United, at the Samson Siasia Stadium. 

The Sky Blue Star took the lead inside four minutes, through forward, Adams Olamilekan. Before second half substitute Sikiru Alimi doubled the lead 2-0, in the 78 minutes to helped the Daniel Ogunmodede led side pick a vital win on the road. 

While at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, The People's Elephant, Enyimba FC secured their first win over Akwa United after four games, with a late 3-2 win. 

The Finidi George led side took a 2-0 lead, in the 12th and14th minutes through Innocent Gabriel and Chijioke Mbaoma. 

But, the Promise keepers responded in style as the got back in the game to levelled it 2-2, with goals by Kufre Ebong and Philip David, in the 45 and 54 minutes. 

Before Somairi Alalibo produced a brilliance free kick to secured the victory for the NPFL champions in Aba.  With the loss, Akwa United are still searching for first victory of the season.

In Awka, Rangers International picked their second home victory of the season, with a 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes, at the Awka City Stadium. 

The flying Antelopes took the lead in the 16th minutes, after Tornadoes' goalkeeper was adjudged to have pulled the ball into his own net before Godwin Obaje doubled the lead 2-0 in the 43 minutes.

But in the second half, Bashir Usman pulled a goal back for Niger Tornadoes but it wasn't enough as Fidelis IIechukwu and his Rangers Int'l side picked the maximum points. 

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars came from a goal down to defeat Gombe United 2-1 through a brace from Captain, Malomo Taofeeq late on in the second half. 

The Oluyole Warriors were trailing struggling to break down Gombe United defence and early went behind throughout the first half. 

But in the second half, it was a difficult game as the Gbenga Ogunbote men came out buzzing with a brilliant team performance, scoring two late goals, in the 50 and 89 minutes through a delightful strikes by Malomo, as they secured the win at the Lekan Salami Stadium. 

In the other games in Lagos and Port Harcourt, it ended in a goalless draw between Sporting Lagos and Doma United. As the Paul Offor led side dropped two points at home. While Rivers United were also held at home by Kwara United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. 

NPFL Matchday 3 Full Results 

On Saturday, October 14,2023 

Bendel Insurance 1-0 Plateau United 

Katsina United 0-0 Lobi Stars 

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Heartland FC 

On Sunday, October 15,2023

Enyimba FC 3-2 Akwa United 

Bayelsa United 1-2 Remo Stars 

Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars 

Rangers Int'l 2-1 Niger Tornadoes 

Rivers United 0-0 Kwara United 

Shooting Stars 2-1 Gombe United 

Sporting Lagos 0-0 Doma United