After two back-to-back wins – both at home – last season’s sensational team Bendel Insurance have shot into the top of the fledging table for the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, which is now in Week 3. The Benin Arsenals pipped Plateau United 1-0 through Benjamin Tanimu’s 15th minute strike from the spot.
Insurance had defeated Shooting Stars 2-0 in Benin City on Matchday 2, while their opening day fixture against Enyimba in Aba was postponed because of their CAF Confederation fixture, which they lost 2-3 aggregate to Morocco’s RC Berkane.
Lobi Stars are at No 2 after playing goalless away to Katsina United to earn five points from three matches, while Heartland had to fight back to level 1-1 with hosts Sunshine Stars, thanks to a 75th minute goal by Patrick Nwogbaga. Three minutes to the break, Michael Olulasi shot Sunshine Stars ahead.
The Owena Waves now have four points after three matches and temporarily occupy fourth place, behind Sporting Lagos, who host Doma United tomorrow.
Sunday’s fixtures: Enyimba v Akwa United, Abia Warriors v Kano Pillars, Rivers United v Kwara United, Rangers v Niger Tornadoes, Bayelsa United v Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos v Doma United, Shooting Stars v Gombe United
