NPFL MD 23 Wrap: Lobi Stars return to summit as Rangers snatch win at Tornadoes

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The race for the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title continued to get stiffer as Lobi Stars returned to the top of the table after a 2-0 win over Katsina United on Sunday.

Remo Stars had moved to the top of the table after a 1-0 win against Bayelsa United on Saturday but the Makurdi-based side responded a day later with a win.

Second-half goals from John Victor Ekioke and Alao Danbani propelled the new league leaders to the top.

Enugu Rangers picked a 2-0 away win against Niger Tornadoes in the game where the team General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku was listed but didn’t get match action.

Chidiebere Nwobodo and Godwin Obaje scored two goals in the space of three first-half minutes.

Elsewhere, two goals from Alexander Enejo and Daniel Barnabas helped Plateau United to a 2-0 triumph over Bendel Insurance.

Heartland FC’s relegation woes continued after forcing Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw in Owerri with the two goals coming in the first six minutes.

Promise Awosanmi put the visitors ahead in the second minute of play before Onyedikachi Okafor equalised for the hosts four minutes later.

Lobi Stars topped the log with 42 points ahead of Plateau United with 41 points and Enugu Rangers (40 points).

Remo Stars with an outstanding match have 39 points, the same with Enyimba which will play their Matchday 23 match on Monday.

Heartland seats at the bottom of the table with 19 points behind Akwa United (21 points), Gombe United (24 points), and Niger Tornadoes (24 points).