NPFL: Lobi Stars hand 3SC consecutive defeat as Insurance and El-Kanemi share spoils

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Matchday Five of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) kicked off on Saturday with two exciting fixtures.

In the opening match, Lobi Stars claimed their first victory of the season, edging out Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 1-0. A 29th-minute goal from Tiza Iorwuwse was the difference, securing all three points for Lobi Stars.

Despite the loss, 3SC remains in 13th place on the table with five points from five games. Lobi Stars, with four points, sit just two places below their opponents.

In the second game, Bendel Insurance played out a 1-1 draw with El-Kanemi Warriors at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. El-Kanemi stunned the home crowd with an early goal, as Ibrahim Mustapha scored in the second minute.

However, Michael Enaruna equalized for Bendel Insurance in the 17th minute, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

The reigning Federation Cup champions, Bendel Insurance, now have six points and occupy eighth place on the standings, while El-Kanemi Warriors are just behind in ninth place, with the same points.