NPFL wrap-up: Lobi Stars atop after three games as Rangers register first victory

Matchday three of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was filled with suspense, breathtaking goals and entertainment.

TheCable reviews all the games which took place at the weekend.

Katsina United 2-0 Enyimba FC

Enyimba lacked the strength to cope with the firepower of Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium where they lost 2-0.

Martins Usule got the opener for the Chanji Boys before Usman Barau made it two in the second half.

The win lifts Katsina to ninth on the log with four points from three games.

Lobi Stars 1-0 Go Round FC 

At the Aper Aku Stadium, former Bayelsa United and Sunshine Stars forward Samad Kadiri was on target as Lobi Stars edged Go Round FC 1-0.

The result leaves the Pride of Benue unbeaten in the league and at the top of the table with seven points.

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

In Jos, home team Wikki Tourists managed a solitary 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

Mustapha Ibrahim handed the Giant Elephants the match winner in the second half to push the Ikon Allah Boys to third on the table.

Abia Warriors 1-0 Plateau United

At the Umuahia Township Stadium, a Samson Obi volley for Abia Warriors condemned Plateau United to a 1-0 defeat.

Heartland FC 0-1 Enugu Rangers 

Gbenga Ogunbote’s Enugu Rangers won their first game of the season when they faced Heartland in the oriental derby.

The Flying Antelopes had lost their first two games to Akwa United and Lobi Stars. But at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, a first-half goal from Bright Silas proved crucial.

Rangers climb to 17th courtesy of the win.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-0 Kwara United

FC Ifeanyi Ubah recorded an inspiring victory against Kwara United. The Anambra Warriors crushed the Harmony Boys 2-0.

Godwin Obaje scored the opener before Ekene Awazie doubled the lead.

Kwara United lifted their game but could not find the back of the net. They are still pointless after three games.

The win keeps the Anambra Warriors in fourth place.

Akwa United 2-0 Yobe Desert Stars

Ruthless Akwa United showed no mercy to Yobe Desert Stars in Uyo as the Promise Keepers won the match within the space of two minutes.

Victor Mbaoma and Ibe Michael made the difference as United beat the Desert Stars 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, moving them to second in the standings.

Nasarawa United 2-0 Sunshine Stars 

Nasarawa United breathed easy as they picked up their first win of the new NPFL season, defeating Sunshine Stars at the Lafia City Stadium.

After a run of two straight defeats, the Solid Miners were 2-0 winners over the Owena Whales, who came into Sunday’s game on the back of their 2-1 defeat of Katsina United.

Douglas Achiv opened the scoring for Nasarawa in the first half before Ishaya Anyu added the second goal shortly after the break.

Rivers United 2-1 Kano Pillars 

Rivers United got back to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over Kano Pillars at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

The Pride of Rivers prevailed by a 2-1 win as they survived a difficult end to the match.

Bakari Bamba and Guy Kuemian netted for the hosts while Junior Lokosa grabbed a goal for Pillars.

Elkanemi Warriors 3-1 MFM FC

The poor away form of MFM FC continued as they crashed 3-1 to Elkanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

Bello Koformata, Ocheme Edoh and Sunday Anthony registered their names on the scoresheet for the Desert Warriors.

Adekunle Adegboyega scored for the Olukoya Boys.