Nigeria Leagues
NPFL MD 24 Recap: Lobi Stars stay top with draw at Abia as Tornadoes stun Bayelsa
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed an intense Matchday 24, with thrilling encounters unfolding across various stadiums from Friday to Sunday.
In a clash of titans, Lobi Stars battled Abia Warriors to a hard-fought 1-1 draw, as Fabian Omaka’s penalty for Lobi was canceled out by John Victor Ekioke’s late equalizer.
Meanwhile, Enyimba secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Doma United, courtesy of Mbaoma Chijioke’s late goal, further solidifying their position near the top of the table.
Elsewhere, Enugu Rangers and Kwara United settled for a goalless draw, while Shooting Stars dominated Akwa United with a commanding 3-0 win, fueled by goals from Victor Ehibe, Christian Pyagbara, and Abdullah Lawal.
In a South West derby showdown, Sporting Lagos emerged victorious with a convincing 4-1 win over Remo Stars, with former Remo Stars player Junior Lokosa among the scorers for Sporting.
Katsina United and Heartland FC battled to a 1-1 draw, with Naldo Ingya Barnabas and Nafiu Ibrahim finding the net for their respective teams.
Niger Tornadoes secured a vital 1-0 win against Bayelsa United, while Rivers United and Kano Pillars played out a 1-1 draw, as Sunday Williams equalized Abba Adam’s opener for Kano Pillars.
In another exciting fixture, Sunshine Stars defeated Plateau United 3-1, with Ibrahim Gusau and Tunde Sodiq both notching braces for the Akure-based side.
In Friday’s action, Bendel Insurance clinched a 2-0 victory over Gombe United, further intensifying the battle at both ends of the NPFL table.
With Lobi Stars maintaining their lead with 43 points, closely followed by Enyimba FC, Plateau United, Enugu Rangers, and Remo Stars, the race for the NPFL title continues to heat up.
However, at the bottom of the table, Heartland FC faces an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone, trailing behind Akwa United, Gombe United, and Kwara United.
