NPFL Roundup: Sporting Lagos’ search for an away win continues, Enyimba lose on the road, Remo Stars defeat Bendel Insurance at home

It was another entertaining matchday in the Nigeria Professional Football League. Soccernet.ng reports all of the action that ensued on Matchday 27 in the Nigerian top-flight league.

Doma United and Gombe United kicked us off to a flying start at the Pantami Stadium. A first half goal from David Nnaji was cancelled out by Doma United’s Musa Usman second half goal. The draw moves Gombe United a point up from the last place on the NPFL table, while Doma look comfortable in 17th place.

Sporting Lagos travelled up-north to face Kano Pillars after securing a win at home against Kwara United last week. Umar Shehu broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half, and that sealed the win for the four-time NPFL Champions. Sporting Lagos are still without an away win in the league this season.

Heartland fell to the last place on the league table after losing to Enugu Rangers at home. Onyebuchi Ifeanyi and Kalu Nweke’s goals secured three points for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men. Rangers are now top of the NPFL, a point above Lobi Stars.

Lobi Stars drew at home as they welcomed relegation-threatened Bayelsa United. Sunday Chukwu broke the deadlock for the home side on the hour mark, before Kehinde Malik responded for Bayelsa later in the second half.

An early strike from Daniel Wotila wasn’t enough for Abia Warriors in Katsina. A quick-fire second-half double from the home side, courtesy of Andrew Idoko and Azeez Falolu completed the comeback for Katsina United.

Finidi George won his first game with Nigeria on Friday, but Enyimba fell to defeat in his absence. Kwara United defeated the defending NPFL Champions, thanks to an Emmanuel Ogbole double. Ikena Cooper’s goal was only  a consolation for the nine-time NPFL winners, but they remain third on the table, three points behind the league leaders.

A packed New Jos Stadium wasn’t enough support for Pleateau United as they surrendered three points to Akwa United. Gerome Heutchou opened the scoring inside ten minutes, before Anthony Sunday levelled the scores for the home side from twelve yards. Sani Suleiman had the last laugh, as he scored a last minute penalty to help Akwa to a rare away win, and see them leap just out of the relegation spots.

😲 Despite the scary crowd at the New Jos Stadium, relegation threatened Akwa United defeated Title contenders, Plateau Utd at home 1-2 infront of thousands of their fans.

NPFL is nobody’s mate. pic.twitter.com/T4rraTuSuM

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) March 24, 2024

Two second half goals at the Remo Stars stadium sealed three points for Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s side against Bendel Insurance. Adedayo Olamilaken’s attempt in the 77th minute broke the deadlock for the Ikenne faithful before Adams Olamilaken came off the bench to setup Hadi Haruna for the second of the game with three minutes left on the clock.

The Sky Blue Stars dream of winning the league is back on track as they’re just three points off the top of the league.