Bendel Insurance hand Rivers United first NPFL defeat of the season

Bendel Insurance ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Benin City on Sunday.

The visitors looked set to preserve their record after Chijioke Mbaoma cancelled out Freeman Wuchirwe’s early second-half opener. But Jonathan James scored in stoppage time to secure all three points for Bendel Insurance.

Wuchirwe put the hosts ahead three minutes after the break, before Mbaoma levelled with 17 minutes remaining. Rivers United could not hold on for a point as James delivered the decisive blow late in the match.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Shooting Stars in an entertaining South-West derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Shooting Stars appeared to have taken control when Taofeek Otaniyi and Desmond Ojietefian put them 2-0 ahead. Ikorodu City responded through Donald Obiajulu, whose two goals completed the comeback and earned the hosts a share of the points.

Niger Tornadoes claimed the only away win of the day, beating Abia Warriors 1-0 in Aba.

Wasiu Jimoh scored four minutes before the hour mark to settle the contest and give Niger Tornadoes all three points.

At the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over nine-time league champions Enyimba.

Jofrank Istifanus scored the only goal of the match in the 23rd minute, securing victory for the hosts.

Barau FC and Kwara United also shared the points after a 1-1 draw in Kano.

Anthony Sunday gave Barau FC the lead five minutes before half-time. Goodluck Ogbolu restored parity for Kwara United three minutes after the hour mark, ensuring the teams finished level.

There was nothing to separate Warri Wolves and four-time champions Kano Pillars in Ozoro, where the two sides played out a goalless draw.

Kun Khalifat completed the day’s results with a 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos.

Full results:

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United
Barau FC 1-1 Kwara United
Abia Warriors 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
Ikorodu City 2-2 Shooting Stars
Kun Khalifat 1-0 Inter Lagos
Nasarawa United 1-0 Enyimba
Warri Wolves 0-0 Kano Pillars