NPFL 22/23: Remo, Abia leap to title zone on Matchday 11

Action in El-Kanemi vs Remo Stars. Photo: Remo Stars

Results from MatchDay 11 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) did not alter the leadership status in both groups but it was Remo Stars, Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes that made significant gains on the log.

The midweek fixtures produced a total of 22 goals from nine matches played Wednesday evening with the top of Group B tie involving Rivers United and Lobi Stars postponed. The Port Harcourt side are involved in the CAF Confederation Cup away to ASEC Mimosas in Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday.

The clash of Group A leaders between Bendel Insurance and Akwa United failed to produce a winner after both sides settled for a 1-1 draw in Benin City.

Insurance were quickest off the block, taking the lead in the second minute with in-form striker, Imade Osarenkhoe scoring. However Akwa United equalised before half time through Cyril Olisema in the 38th minute. Both teams created lots of chances but were unable to convert any as the game ended in a draw.

Insurance thus preserved their unbeaten run and also moved closer to securing a championship playoff spot. While Akwa United failed to avenge their season opening 0-2 crushing defeat at home to Insurance, they also have been displaced from the second position by Remo Stars, thanks to their 2-1 win away to El-Kanemi Warriors.

Remo Stars made it two wins from two in the second stanza of the season with goals from Andrew Okpe in 60th minute and captain Nduka Junior in 87th minute. For El Kanemi Warriors, it is looking increasingly unlikely they will stay up in the NPFL next season staying eight points from safety and seven games to go.

In Aba, former champions, Enyimba recorded a second draw on the trot and missed a chance to get back into the playoff spots after being held 1-1 by Nasarawa United.

Season’s leading scorer, Chukwuemeka Obioma converted a penalty in the 15th minute to give the NPFL record winners the lead. But the Solid Miners equalised in the 75th minute to secure a vital point in their fight to avoid relegation.

Nasarawa United remain ninth in Group A, four points from safety while Enyimba are now down to fourth, one point from the playoff spots.

Shooting Stars are up to seventh on the table after coming from a goal down to beat former champions Plateau United 3-2. Yakubu Adam put United in front in the 22nd minute but Samuel Ayorinde leveled for 3SC in the 43rd. Ayorinde got his brace in the 50th minute, while Falke Ghali scored the third for the home side. Plateau pulled one goal back as the match ended 3-2.

Plateau dropped to No 5 from the third spot.

In the Savannah City of Gombe, Anayo Ogbonna scored the only goal in the 39th minute for the hosts, Gombe United to defeat Kwara United and move up to sixth on the log.

In Group B, Abia Warriors completed the double over Rangers after a 2-1 win in the oriental derby. Abia won the first leg 2-0.

In the reverse fixture on Wednesday, Jimoh Gbadamosi gave the Warriors the early lead when he converted a penalty in the eighth minute. But veteran defender John Uche equalised for the Flying Antelopes in the 22nd minute and the match looked destined for a draw until Uche Odeh scored in the second minute of stoppage time to win all three points for the Umuahia side.

Abia Warriors moved from fourth to third on the log, one point behind Lobi Stars and Rivers United who were not in action this mid week.

Sunshine Stars missed a great chance to move into the playoff spots after being held to a 1-1 draw by Doma United in Akure. The Stars took the lead in the 14th minute but it lasted 60 seconds as Doma restored parity through Pascal Nwabueze.

Niger Tornadoes are up to fourth on the log after 2-0 victory over Wikki Tourists. David Okouromi gave Tornadoes the lead in the 22nd minute, while Mark Daniel sealed the win with a second half stoppage time goal.

Tornadoes are level on points with Abia Warriors on 18 points but are not in the playoff spots due to inferior goal difference. Wikki, on their part, have slipped into the relegation zone, and are ninth on the standings.

Bayelsa United moved out of the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw with Dakkada in Uyo. Group B leading scorer, Robert Mizo put Bayelsa ahead in the fourth minute but Mmekut Udosen equalised for Dakkada. It was not enough though to change their place at the bottom of the table on eight points.

Results

Enyimba 1-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 1-1 Akwa United

Shooting Stars 3-2 Plateau United

Gombe United 1-0 Kwara United

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Remo Stars

Dakkada 1-1 Bayelsa United

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Doma United

Abia Warriors 2-1 Rangers

Lobi Stars v Rivers United (postponed)

Nwankwor writes for IMC Media