NPFL24 Matchday Three: Bendel Insurance go top as Enyimba pip Akwa United in thriller

Bendel Insurance extended their winning start to the NPFL24 season to two games and continued their trend of remaining unbeaten at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium since their promotion to the NPFL. The Benin Arsenal needed a 15th minute goal from Benjamin Tanimu to win 1-0 at home to Plateau United and go top of the standings.

Newly-promoted Katsina United held Lobi Stars to a goalless draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium to claim an admirable draw at home.

Newly-promoted Heartland held Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw at the Akure Township Stadium. Michael Olalusi gave the Owena Whales the lead at home from the penalty spot in the 15th minute before Patrick Nwogbaga scored a 75th minute leveller for the Naze Millionaires. Highly-rated striker Ibrahim Yusuf saw a late penalty come back off the woodwork for Sunshine Stars as they missed the chance to win.

Rivers United and Kwara United played out a goalless draw in Port Harcourt in their NPFL24 Matchday Three encounter. In a game foreshadowed by pre-match controversy, Rivers United could not repeat their midweek feat at home.

Sporting Lagos dropped points for the second week running as Doma United came away from the Mobolaji Johnson Arena with a goalless draw, earning a deserved point.

Enyimba bounced back from last week’s defeat to win 3-2 at home to Akwa United, managed by former Enyimba coach Fatai Osho. The People’s Elephant went ahead in the first half through a piledriver from Innocent Gabriel before Chijioke Mbaoma doubled their advantage. Kufre Ebong pulled one back for the visitors before David Phillip drew them level in the second half. Enyimba captain Somiari Alalibo fired home a fierce free-kick to seal the win for his side.

Remo Stars picked up the first away win of NPFL24 as they defeated Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. The Sky Blue Stars bounced back from a midweek defeat to win 2-1. Adams Olamilekan opened the scoring before substitute Sikiru Alimi scored his second goal in as many games. Okorie Ekeson scored a late consolation goal for the home side.

Shooting Stars came from behind to defeat Gombe United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, claiming a 2-1 win in the encounter. Aliko Bala opened the scoring for the Savannah Scorpions before 3SC captain Taofeek Malomo equalised. The attacking midfielder scored a winner in the 89th minute to seal the win.

Rangers claimed a second win of the season as they defeated Niger Tornadoes in their NPFL24 Matchday Three clash. Joel Odoh opened the scoring for the Flying Antelopes before veteran striker Godwin Obaje doubled the lead. Bashir Usman pulled one back with his second goal of the season for Niger Tornadoes as the match ended 2-1.

Abia Warriors condemned Kano Pillars to a second defeat of NPFL24, claiming a 1-0 win at home. Sunday Megwo scored the only goal of the game to hand the Umuahia Landlords the win.