Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-18 03:39:48
The defending champions, Enyimba, bounced back from their midweek 1-0 defeat to Remo Stars by defeating Niger Tornadoes 3-1 at the Aba Township Stadium. The Week 26 games in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) also saw Rivers United, Sporting Lagos, and Enugu Rangers emerging victorious in their respective matches, bolstering their positions on the league table.
Niger Tornadoes put up a strong performance in the first half of the game but were unable to contain Enyimba, who came out aggressively in the second half in search of goals. It took Enyimba 22 minutes into the second half to break the deadlock through Alade Balogun. The champions continued their momentum with goals from Elijah Akanni in the 70th minute and Uche Collins in the 85th minute. Despite Tornadoes scoring a consolation goal through Akintunde Azeez in the 86th minute, Enyimba secured a convincing victory.
Sporting Lagos, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tornadoes in their previous game, bounced back with a 2-0 win against Kwara United. Paschal Onyekachi Durigbor and Aliu Salaudeen were the goal scorers for Sporting Lagos. Rivers United also secured a 1-0 victory over Heartland, thanks to Ukeme Mitchell’s 11th-minute goal. Enugu Rangers handed Lobi Stars a 2-1 defeat, with goals from Godwin Obaje and Kingsley Maduforo, despite a goal from Samuel Torwuese for Lobi Stars.
In other matches, Akwa United drew 1-1 with Gombe United, Abia Warriors played out a goalless draw with Sunshine Stars, and Katsina United defeated Plateau United 2-1. Bendel Insurance had a goal fest against Doma United, winning 4-0 with two own goals from the visitors and a brace from Junior Osaghae. Bayelsa United came from behind to defeat Kano Pillars 2-1, with James Emo scoring two late goals.
At the end of the matchday, Lobi Stars maintained their position at the top of the table with 46 points, while Enugu Rangers and Enyimba climbed to the second and third positions respectively with 45 points each. The results of the Week 26 games have had significant implications on the standings in the NPFL, with teams jostling for positions as the season progresses.
