The rains delayed the restart of the match in Ikenne-Remo with both sides going into the changing room at 1-1. Jonathan Alukwu’s 21st minute goal gave visiting Sporting Lagos an advantage in the MatchDay 4 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture, but Togolese Kwame Franck Mawuena resorted parity in the 31st minute.
Eighteen minutes into the second half, Sikiru Alimi got the winning goal for the Sky Blue Stars, who leap to the top of the table having garnered nine points from four matches.
It was the first defeat of the season for Sporting Lagos, who are having their debut season in the top flight.
Lobi Stars climbed from No. 7 to second spot after beating Abia Warriors 2-0 in Lafia, theor adopted home ground. Lobi’s first goal came through Liman Amadou in the 15th, while Alao Danbani seal the victory 10 minutes later.
Rangers lost ground, dropping from second to third sport after sharing honours with Kwara United in Ilorin. The Flying Antelopes opened the goal account in the 34th minute through Kazwem Ogunleye, while Alao Mohammed (53rd minute) rescued a point for the home side.
Shooting Stars retained their fourth spot after playing goalless with Akwa United in Eket.
Former leaders Bendel Insurance were beaten by Gombe United in Gombe, thanks to the only goal of the match in the 51st minute by Ahmed Jimoh. The result saw Insurance stepped four places down to No. 5. while Gombe are now at sixth spot from No. 15.
Plateau United pipped Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Jos to move from 16th spot to 7th, the Akure side lost five spots to stay at 15th.
Kano Pillars had a full house at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano but had to wait until the second minute of added time to be Rivers United 1-0 with Rabiu Ali the winner.
At Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, all the two goals were converted by the away team, Katsina United. The visitors’ Central African Republic’s keeper Alladoum Kolimba diverted the ball into his own net into the fourth minute. But Michael Ibe’s 73rd minute goal enabled Katsina United to take a point back home.
Sunday’s results: Heartland 1-1 Katsina United, Lobi Stars 2-0 Abia Warriors, Kano Pillars 1-0 Rivers United, Kwara United 1-1 Rangers, Remo Stars 2-1 Sporting Lagos, Akwa United 0-0 Shooting Stars, Gombe United 1-0 Bendel Insurance, Plateau United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Saturday’s result: Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Bayelsa United
Postponed: Doma United v Enyimba
