NPFL MD5 Wrap: Katsina United outclass Sunshine as Shooting Stars climb to second

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Katsina United edged Sunshine Stars 3-2 thanks to Bello Lukman’s second-half brace as the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continued with six matches on Sunday.

Michael Olulasi had given the Akure-based visitors the lead in the 23rd minute before Michael Okoro Ibe’s equaliser.

Olalusi restored the travelers’ lead from the penalty spot before Lukman’s second-half brace.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club beat Doma United 3-1 after coming back from a goal down with Nelson Abiam’s eighth-minute opener.

Goals from Adelowo Gbolagade, Kareem Ademola, and Gideon Monday lifted the host to victory.

In Port Harcourt, Alex Oyowah ‘s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 win for Rivers United over Lobi Stars which ended the visitors unbeaten run in the league.

The same scoreline was recorded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors edged Heartland FC 1-0 courtesy of Meme Okike’s eight-minute goal.

In Yenegoa, Bayelsa United pipped Kwara United 2-1 with in-form marksman, Robert Mizo bagging a brace while Samuel Ayorinde pulled a goal back for the Harmony Boys.

In the late-night match between Sporting Lagos and Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, the host secured a 2-1 win against the Northern visitors.

Jonathan Alukwu and Junior Lokosa pulled Sporting ahead in the first half before substitute, Yahuza Bala reduced the deficit for the Tornadoes.

At the end of the Matchday, Enugu Rangers top the log with ten points, the same points as Shooting Stars, while Remo Stars, Gombe United, and Abia Warriors are nearby with nine points.

Lobi Stars, Sporting Lagos, and Katsina United have eight points followed by Bendel Insurance and Rivers United with seven points.

Akwa United occupy the basement position on the table with three points, the same points as Heartland and Enyimba FC which have three outstanding games.

Sunshine Stars seats in the 17th and last relegation position with four points, behind Kwara and Doma United.