Bendel Insurance have confirmed their spot in the Super 6 of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), while Lobi Stars will need just a point in their last match against Wikki Tourists. It’s a home fixture for the Makurdi club.
Despite being forced to 1-1 at home by Shooting Stars, the Insurance result leaves three teams in Group A – Enyimba, Remo Stars and Akwa United – fighting for two more slots to qualify for the league champions’ decider.
Insurance had to wait until the 62nd minute to shoot into the lead through Ismail Seriki, but Alimi Sikiru ensured the visitors did not go home empty handed with his 85th minute goal. The result means that Insurance extend their point haul to 33 and are unreachable by the team at No. 4 – Akwa United.
Enyimba were ruthless against Gombe United, banging in five goals without conceding. Chukwuemeka Obioma was the hero as he registered a hat-trick with goals coming in the 18th, 77th and 84th minutes, while Ikenna Cooper (36th) and Abubakar Adamu (65th) producing the other goals.
Enyimba will have to travel to Ibadan to face Shooting Stars on the last Matchday of the group season seeking a win, or a slip up by Akwa United, who will be away to Gombe United.
In between Enyimba and Akwa on the log are Remo Stars who did their progression into the championship battle a world of good by beating Plateau United, who can now no longer be in the Super 6. The 2-1 win in Jos means the Sky Blue Stars achieved a double over Plateau having won the first leg 2-1.
It was Remo Stars’ third away victory after triumphing over El-Kanemi Warriors (2-1) and Gombe United (1-0).
Akwa United’s victory over relegated El-Kanemi Warriors provided them hope of still making the Super 6. But that if they beat Gombe United in Gombe and both Remo Stars and do not also win.
Group A relegated teams are confirmed – Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors. It means that Kwara United can breathe easy ahead of the last match of the regular season.
The Harmony Boys’ lone goal victory over Nasarawa United confirmed the away side’s drop to the lower division.
In Group B, Lobi Stars’ draw with Dakkada on Saturday proved not enough to see them finish among the top 3 teams ahead of their last game at home to Wikki Tourists. With 30 points gathered, the Ortom Boys need just one point in order not to be overtaken by teams battling for top 3.
Rivers United defeated their neighbours Bayelsa United with goals by Mohammed Shiraz in the 43rd minute and Nyima Nwagua in the 75th, in between that of Garando Tekena’s penalty for the visitors in the 55th minute.
Rivers United have three outstanding matches and have the prospects of toppling Lobi Stars at the summit as there are only four points separating both side.
Also on 26 points like Rivers United are Doma United, who have have two games less than the Pride of Rivers. Doma played goalless hosting Rangers this evening.
Aba Warriors suffered in the hands of last placed Wikki Tourists, who improve their chances of survival. Two more matches to go, Wikki are three points away from safety.
The only away win of the week belong to Sunshine Stars who shamed their hosts Niger Tornadoes 2-0.
Group A: Kwara United 1-0 Nasarawa United, Plateau United 1-2 Remo Stars, Akwa United 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba 5-0 Gombe United, Bendel Insurance 1-1 Shooting Stars
Group B: Rivers United 2-1 Bayelsa United, Doma United 0-0 Rangers, Wikki Tourists 4-0 Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes 0-2 Sunshine Stars, Dakkada 1-1 Lobi Stars
