NPFL: Alex Oweilayefa Hat-Trick Inspires Bendel Insurance Rout As Enyimba Held In Aba

It was a day of dominant home performances on Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with Bendel Insurance F.C. producing a statement 4-0 victory over Ikorodu City F.C., while Enyimba F.C. were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat FC in Aba.

Alex Oweilayefa was the star of the show in Benin, delivering a sensational hat-trick in the 15th, 27th and 59th minutes to power Bendel Insurance to a resounding win.

Wisdom Udom had earlier made it 2-0 in the 24th minute, capping a ruthless first-half display from the Benin Arsenal, who sealed all three points in emphatic fashion.

Rangers International F.C. secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United F.C..

Godwin Obaje opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage just eight minutes later, ensuring a smooth afternoon for the Flying Antelopes.

Bayelsa United F.C. claimed bragging rights in the South-South derby, edging Rivers United F.C. 1-0.

The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Temple Emekayi turned the ball into his own net, a goal that ultimately separated the two sides.

Remo Stars F.C. recorded a convincing 2-0 triumph over Katsina United F.C..

Haruna Hadi struck twice in quick succession in the 60th and 62nd minutes to put the game beyond reach.

Niger Tornadoes F.C. and Warri Wolves F.C. played out a goalless draw, with both sides unable to convert their chances despite an open contest.

Shooting Stars S.C. came from a strong performance to defeat Kano Pillars F.C. 2-1.

Sodiq Ibrahim gave the hosts the lead in the 30th minute, while Qamar Adegoke extended their advantage in the 63rd minute. Mustapha Jibrin pulled one back for Kano Pillars in the 79th minute, but it proved a mere consolation.

In Aba, Enyimba were stunned in the 38th minute when James Ekebuike fired Kun Khalifat ahead. The People’s Elephant pressed for an equaliser and eventually found it through Ekene Awazie, who struck in the 85th minute to rescue a point for the former champions.

With the title race and relegation battle intensifying, Matchday 28 delivered plenty of drama across the NPFL as teams continue their push towards the business end of the season.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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