NPFL24 Round-Up: Rivers Utd Halts Lobi Stars Unbeaten Run, As 3SC, Katsina Utd Earn Hard-Fought Wins

NPFL24 Round-Up: Rivers Utd Halts Lobi Stars Unbeaten Run, As 3SC, Katsina Utd Earn Hard-Fought Wins

By Emmanuel Chinedu  

The Matchday 5 fixtures continued on Sunday with some interesting scoring margins recorded at a few match venues, as Lobi Stars four games unbeaten run came to an end after the defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

However, it was an interesting match-up all around as both Shooting Stars and Katsina United all came from behind to secure home victories, as well as Bayelsa United, who ended their two-game winless streak.

In Port Harcourt, former Champions Rivers United secures a late 1-0 win over Lobi Stars, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. 

The match-winning goal came in the 42nd minute through Alex Oyowah, who produced a delightful volley to help the Stanley Eguma-led side gain the three points. 

The loss was Lobi Stars' first defeat of the season.  

While in Ibadan, Shooting Stars came from behind to defeat Doma United, 3-1 through goals from Gbolagade Adelowo, Ademola Ayinde, and a late strike from GIdeon Monday in the 93rd minute. 

Nelson Abiam scored to give the visitors an early lead inside nine minutes. But it didn't last long as the Gbenga Ogunbote-led side got back into the game with three quick goals. 

Shooting Stars have won three of their first home games this season. 

In Katsina, Katsina United came back twice to beat Sunshine Stars 3-2.

Michael Olalusi scored to give the Akure gunners the lead, but Michael Ibe leveled it 1-1 in the 45 minutes. 

The Edith Agoye-led side still went ahead again in the game, as Olulasi converted the spot kick to give Sunshine Stars a 2-1 halftime lead. 

However, in the second half, Katsina United responded in great fashion with two brilliant strikes by Bello Lukman, in the 49 and 62 minutes which helped the Tony Bolus-led side to bounce back from a losing position and also to win the game. 

In Yenagoa, Robert Mizo continued his impressive scoring form as he scored a brace in Bayelsa United's 2-1 win over Kwara United at the Samson Siasia Stadium. 

Mizo gave the Tiebowel Dipreye-led side the lead inside 10 minutes. Before Samuel Ayanrinde levelled it at 1-1, in the 19th minute.

However, the Bayelsa United forward then completed his brace and second of the game with a close-range strike in the 32nd minute as they secured the three points. 

Mizo has now scored five goals this season for Bayelsa United. 

In Lagos, Sporting Lagos secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium. 

Jonathan Alukwu scored with a brilliant volley to give the Paul Offor-led side the lead in the 27th minute. 

Before Junior Lokosa doubled the lead, with a delightful individual effort close to the opponent box as the Lagos-based club went into the halftime break with a 2-0 lead. 

In the second half, Yahuza Bala pulled a goal back for Tornadoes, in the 67th minute, but it wasn't enough to secure a point on the road as Sporting Lagos picked a vital three points at home. 

NPFL Matchday 5 Results 

On Saturday, October 28, 2023 

Bendel Insurance 0-0 Akwa United 

Gombe United 1-0 Plateau United 

Rangers Int'l 4-1 Kano Pillars 

On Sunday, October 29, 2023

Abia Warriors 1-0 Heartland FC 

Shooting Stars 3-1 Doma United 

Katsina United 3-2 Sunshine Stars 

Rivers United 1-0 Lobi Stars 

Bayelsa United 2-1 Kwara United 

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Niger Tornadoes