NPFL Match Day 36 Review: Plateau United Stuns Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars Halt Rangers International.
Action-packed matches marked Match Day 36 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), delivering surprises and thrilling moments across the league.
Shooting Stars secured a vital victory against league leaders Rangers International. Christian Pyagbara’s 13th-minute header earned the Oluyole Warriors a crucial win, extending their impressive home unbeaten run to 10 games at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
In Lagos, Sporting’s hopes of avoiding relegation took a hit as they suffered a 1-2 defeat to visiting Plateau United. The away side took control early, with goals from Chimezie Izuchukwu and Bernard Mundi in the first half. Although Jonathan Alukwu managed to pull one back in the 79th minute, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide for Sporting.
Meanwhile, Kwara United claimed a 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Ilorin, courtesy of goals from Dehinde Ibrahim and Isaiah Ejeh.
Bayelsa United proved a tough opponent for Enyimba International in Aba, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Alade Balogun put Enyimba ahead in the 20th minute, but Ekerison Okorie equalized for Bayelsa United.
In Uyo, Akwa United delivered a dominant performance against Katsina United, winning 3-1. Suleiman Sani scored twice (7’, 39’), and Kabir Osoba added a goal (29’), while Bello Lukman netted Katsina’s lone goal.
Niger Tornadoes edged Lobi Stars in a thrilling 3-2 encounter in Kaduna. Clinton Jephta opened the scoring in the 9th minute, Bashir Usman doubled the lead in the 25th minute, and Chidiebere Ernest added a third in the 60th minute. John Lazarus scored both goals for Lobi Stars.
Full Results:
– Gombe Utd 1-3 Abia Warriors
– Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers Utd
– Enyimba 1-1 Bayelsa Utd
– Akwa Utd 3-1 Katsina Utd
– Remo Stars 4-1 Heartland
– Tornadoes 3-2 Lobi Stars
– Kwara Utd 2-0 Kano Pillars
– Sporting Lagos 1-2 Plateau Utd
– Shooting Stars 1-0 Rangers International
As the season draws to a close, each match becomes crucial, setting the stage for a dramatic finish in the NPFL.
