2023/24 NPFL: Bendel Insurance beat 3SC as Pillars edge Katsina United

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars were among the biggest winners of the mid-week fixtures of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday.

Bendel Insurance bounced back from the unfortunate elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of RS Berkane of Morocco with a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their season opener in Benin City.

Ghali Falke’s own goal in the 21st minute opened the scoring for the Benin Arsenals at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Evans Iyebi Ogbonda doubled the lead for Monday Odigie’s side in the 78th minute to seal the win which temporarily sent Insurance to the top of the table ahead of Sunday’s games.

In a highly anticipated Northern derby, Kano Pillars returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United.

A 27th minute strike from Ibrahim Mustapha was all the Pyramid Boys required to claim their first win of the season.

At the Pantami Stadium, Doma United beat Bayelsa United 2-0 in Gombe.

Majalisa Andrew and Charles Tewar scored for the host in both half.

Seven more games will take place on Sunday as Matchday two of the campaign continue with Niger Tornadoes welcoming Rivers United and Akwa United hosting Sporting Lagos while Lobi Stars play host to Sunshine Stars.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors will be guests to Kwara United in Umuahia, as Gombe United will lock horns with Enyimba just as Plateau United welcome Heartland and Remo Stars battle Enugu Rangers in Ikenne.

2023/2024 NPFL Matchday two Fixtures (Sunday, October 8, 2023)

Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United

Akwa United vs Sporting Lagos

Lobi Stars vs Sunshine Stars

Kwara United vs Abia Warriors

Gombe United vs Enyimba FC

Plateau United vs Heartland FC

Remo Stars vs Enugu Rangers