Niger Tornadoes pipped newly promoted Doma FC 1-0 to go joint tops with Abia Warriors in Group B, just as Remo Stars also completed a 100 percent run after beating Gombe United away from home to lead in Group A of the 2022/23 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In the MatchDay 2 midweek games played on Thursday, Munir Idris scored as early as the 7th minute to sustain Tornadoes unbeaten run which placed the Minna side second behind Abia Warriors that enjoy a superior goal difference.
Champions Rivers United dropped its first point of the season after being held 1-1 by Sunshine Stars at the Akure Township Stadium. The Pride of Rivers took the lead in the 24th minute and looked set to establish a 100 percent start to the new season until Sunshine equalised in the 86th minute, thanks to former Super Eagles player Ejike Uzoenyi who converted from the penalty spot.
In Group A, Remo Stars made it two wins from two games of the season after 1-0 win over Gombe United. A very tight contest at the Pantami Stadium was decided by a stoppage time strike by Andy Okpe. The result means that Remo Stars are now joint top with Bendel Insurance in the group.
Still in Group A, El Kanemi Warriors defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 in another keenly contested match. The Warriors took a two goal lead thanks to a first half strike from Alpha Igbudu in the 13th minute and Zayyad Musa in the 74th minute. However, Nasarawa United mounted a late challenge with Onuche Ogbelu pulling one back in the 90th minute but it was too little, too late.
Insurance scored a stoppage time winner to also maintain a perfect start in Group A after beating Plateau United 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. After a goalless first half, the match came to life in the 66th minute when Ismail Sarki gave the home side the lead. However, United equalised in the 90th minute through Mustapha Abdulahi and looked like snatching a valuable point until Imade Osehenkhoe scored in the 93rd minute to win the match for Insurance.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars and Kwara United ended the fixture nil all
Matchday 2 results:
Group A
Enyimba 0-0 Akwa United
El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Plateau United
Gombe United 0-1 Remo Stars
Shooting Stars 0-0 Kwara United
Group B
Abia Warriors 3- 1 Bayelsa United
Dakkada 2-1 Wikki Tourist
Lobi Stars 1-0 Rangers
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Doma United
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Rivers United
