NPFL Round-Up: Ikorodu City Triumph in South-West Derby, Heartland Share Points in Kano.
Ikorodu City FC secured a memorable victory in their first-ever South-West derby in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), defeating Shooting Stars (3SC) 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Despite falling behind to an early goal from Anthony Okachi in the 14th minute, the Oga Boys fought back in the second half. Shola Adelani equalised in the 59th minute before Rivio Ayemwenre sealed the win with a dramatic 88th-minute strike.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Heartland FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Suraju Lawal gave Heartland the lead in the 51st minute, but Pillars’ captain Rabiu Ali levelled the score with a superb free kick just six minutes later. Lawal restored Heartland’s advantage with his second goal on the hour mark, but Ahmed Musa ensured the points were shared with a crucial equaliser for the home side.
In other matches, Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC played out a 1-1 draw in the Abia Derby, while Kwara United claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Plateau United in Ilorin. Rangers International edged Bendel Insurance 3-2 in a five-goal thriller, and Remo Stars and Rivers United played to a stalemate in Ikenne.
Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and El-Kanemi Warriors all secured 1-0 victories in their respective fixtures, while Bayelsa United and Katsina United settled for a 1-1 draw.
Matchday 12 Results
– Kwara United 2-0 Plateau United
– Rangers 3-2 Bendel Insurance
– Sunshine Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars
– Abia Warriors 1-1 Enyimba FC
– Remo Stars 0-0 Rivers United
– Bayelsa United 1-1 Katsina United
– Ikorodu City FC 2-1 3SC
– El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
– Kano Pillars 2-2 Heartland FC
– Akwa United 1-0 Nasarawa United
Ikorodu City’s remarkable comeback and Heartland’s spirited performance in Kano were the highlights of an exciting Matchday 12, keeping fans entertained as the season progresses.
