NPFL MD6 Wrap: Doma United end Rivers run, 3SC compound Nasarawa woes

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Newly promoted Doma United condemned holders Rivers United to it’s first defeat of the campaign after a 2-1 win over the Port Harcourt-based side in a 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter on Sunday.

Doma United had to come from a goal down to secure a crucial win after Cameroonian Ngweni Denis Ndasi scored the first goal of the match for the visitors. Two goals in either half from Musa Usman lifted Doma to a stunning win.

In Ibadan, two first-half goals from Samuel Ayanrinde lifted Shooting Stars to a 2-0 win which keeps Nasarawa United bottom of Group A.

Ayanrinde converted the first goal with a right-footed shot outside the box in the 40th minute before heading home Gbenga Ogunbote side’s second goal four minutes later.

Akwa United in Uyo defeated ten players Remo Stars 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Cyril Olisema opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers in the fifth minute after a foul inside the box by Sky Blue Stars goalie, Vincent Edafe.

Akanni Qudus equalised for the visitors in the 24th minute before Uche Collins restored Akwa United’s lead with a header in the 45th minute.

Segun Olalere’s own goal in the 60th minute settled the contest after Andy Okpe was sent off for his second bookable offense.

Elsewhere, Murtala Dargbo’s 30th-minute own goal handed Plateau United a 1-0 triumph against Kwara United.

Stephen Chukwude turned hero for Sunshine Stars as his fourth-minute goal handed the Akure-based side a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United.

Moreover, Ibrahim Abubakar Aliyu scored the winning goal as Wikki Tourists edged Enugu Rangers 1-0.

Same evening, Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes settled for a 0-0 draw while Enyimba in the early kick-off defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Aba.

Unbeaten Bendel Insurance tops Group A with 16 points, four points ahead of Remo Stars while Enyimba, Akwa United, and Plateau United all have ten points each with Shooting Stars on eight points.

Lobi leads Group B with 13 points ahead of Rivers United on superior goal difference, with Abia Warriors following closely with 12 points while Sunshine Stars and Doma United both have 9 points.