Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-26 05:15:17
Yesterday’s Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) matches saw some exciting results, with Kano Pillars emerging as one of the standout teams of the day. They secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Sunshine Stars, with Ibrahim Mustapha shining with two goals to help his team move up to the third position in the league table.
The game at the Sani Abacha Stadium started with a bang, as Auwali Ali Malam scored in the fourth minute to set the tone for Kano Pillars’ dominant performance. Captain Rabiu Ali added to the tally in the 21st minute, before Mustapha stole the show with goals in the 48th and 52nd minutes. Mustapha Umar then sealed the victory with another goal in the 55th minute, while Sunshine Stars managed to pull one back from a penalty in the 81st minute.
This impressive win saw Kano Pillars leapfrog Enyimba into the third position, as both teams, along with Remo Stars, are tied on 36 points from 21 matches. Enyimba had a goalless draw with Bendel Insurance, which saw them drop to fourth place. Meanwhile, Kwara United and Katsina United played out a 1-1 draw in their midtable clash.
Lobi Stars also made their mark on the league by dethroning Remo Stars from the top spot with a 1-0 victory over Heartland. Kumanda Suur’s goal in the 86th minute proved to be the difference in the game. Remo Stars were not in action as their Week 21 opponents, Rivers United, were away for a CAF Confederation Cup tie. Despite being tied on points with Kano Pillars and Enyimba, Remo Stars are currently second in the standings due to their superior goal difference.
In other matches, Bayelsa United caused an upset by defeating Akwa United 1-0, Gombe United secured a 2-0 victory over Sporting Lagos, Niger Tornadoes beat Abia Warriors 1-0, and Plateau United and Shooting Stars played out a goalless draw.
Overall, it was a dramatic week in the NPFL, with unexpected results shaking up the league table and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The race for the title is heating up, and every point matters as teams jostle for position in one of Nigeria’s most prestigious football competitions.
