Group B leaders Lobi Stars surrendered their six games unbeaten run on Wednesday when they were beaten by resurgent Wikki Tourists in Bauchi but the performance of the day belonged to Plateau United who soared into the top three of Group A after a big win on Match Day 8.
Lobi Stars had not lost a game since they were beaten by champions Rivers United on Match Day 1 but a brace by Wikki captain Idris Guda Mohammad condemned coach Baba Ganaru’s boys to defeat at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. Guda’s second, in the 38th minute came just four minutes after Abba Umar had brought the visitors to parity.
Lobi’s lead in Group B still remains in tact though with Rivers United not in action while nearest challengers Abia Warriors and Sunshine Stars faltered on the road to Doma United and Dakkada FC respectively.
In-form Musa Usman scored in the 50th minute to give Doma the maximum points against Warriors in Gombe while Dakkada returned to winning ways in Uyo with defensive player Karim Abdoulaye scoring the winner. Defender Ekerette Udom was on target for Sunshine in the game, scoring in a second consecutive game.
In Group B’s other game decided on Wednesday, Niger Tornadoes’ abysmal run of form continued as they were held 1-1 by Bayelsa United in Kaduna. Enterprising starlet David Okoromi gave Tornadoes the lead in the 26th minute but United’s topscorer Robert Mizo replied in the 41st. There were no further goals in the game.
MATCHDAY
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) February 15, 2023
Results so far#NPFL23 pic.twitter.com/IONxfBQz0U
Group A
Leaders Bendel Insurance maintained their stranglehold on the group after a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in Benin. Full back Ebuka Akobundu netted the game’s only goal as Insurance maintain their four points gap at the top of the table.
Enyimba stayed in second after a routine 2-0 win over Shooting Stars in Aba. Chukwuemeka Obioma scored at the start and end of the first half to take his goals tally for the season to seven goals.
In Jos, Plateau United recorded the biggest win of the season of any team in a 5-0 trouncing of El-Kanemi Warriors. Sunday Anthony opened the floodgate of goals in the 3rd minute before Jackson Eru, Ibrahim Yuga Mustapha, Tochukwu Michael and Uche Onwuasonaya all got in on the act.
Remo Stars slipped further down to fourth after a 0-0 draw with Kwara United in Ibadan in the group’s other game. Akwa United will face Gombe United on Thursday to complete the match day action in Group A.
Match Day 9 comes up on Sunday as the league reaches the halfway stage while teams proceed on a four-week break to cover the Nigerian elections period.
