Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered thrilling action as teams competed for crucial points across the country. Home teams largely dominated, while a few away sides caused upsets, shaking up the NPFL standings.
Rivers United Claim Top Spot with 2-0 Win Over 3SC
Rivers United climbed to the top of the NPFL standings after a convincing 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. Goals from Aniekeme Okon in the 51st minute and Ndifreke Efiong in the 65th sealed the win for Rivers, who now sit comfortably on 17 points after seven games.
Plateau United Outclass Remo Stars in 3-1 Thriller
In Jos, Plateau United put on a commanding performance, beating Remo Stars 3-1. Franklin Ebuka’s early opener and second-half goal, along with Sadiq Abubakar’s strike, secured the win for Plateau. Remo Stars only managed a late consolation goal from Malik Jabbar.
Ikorodu City FC Earn 1-1 Draw Against Heartland
Ikorodu City FC showed resilience, securing a 1-1 draw on the road against Heartland FC. Chukwuma Agor’s 66th-minute equalizer canceled out Salau Yusuf’s earlier goal, helping Ikorodu inch closer to climbing out of the relegation zone.
Bendel Insurance Bounce Back with 3-0 Victory Over Bayelsa United
In Benin City, Bendel Insurance responded to weekend’s defeat by defeating Bayelsa United 3-0. Kayode Oke Solomon opened the scoring, while Nnamdi Anthony and Michael Enaruna added two second-half goals to seal the win.
Kano Pillars Stun Rangers International with 4-3 Away Win
Also, The biggest shock of the midweek came in Enugu, where Kano Pillars stunned reigning champions Rangers International with a thrilling 4-3 victory. Rabiu Ali furthermore scored twice for Pillars, with Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Muhammed extending their lead to 4-0 by halftime. Despite Isaac Saviour’s second-half brace, Rangers fell short of completing the comeback.
Other Key Results:
- Katsina United edged Akwa United 1-0 to secure their place in the top five, while Akwa United’s struggles continue in the relegation zone.
- Enyimba International FC were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Niger Tornadoes, with Ufere Chinedu scoring the equalizer for Enyimba.
- Lobi Stars were held to a 2-2 draw by El Kanemi Warriors, who staged a late comeback to share the points.
- Kwara United secured a 3-0 win over Sunshine Stars, with Wasiu Alalade scoring twice.
- Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf netted a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Abia Warriors, cementing his place as the league’s top scorer with seven goals.
NPFL Matchday 7 Results:
- Rivers United 2-0 3SC
- Plateau United 3-1 Remo Stars
- Heartland FC 1-1 Ikorodu City FC
- Bendel Insurance 3-0 Bayelsa United
- Kano Pillars 4-3 Rangers International
- Katsina United 1-0 Akwa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Lobi Stars 2-2 El Kanemi Warriors
- Kwara United 3-0 Sunshine Stars
- Nasarawa United 3-0 Abia Warriors
Rivers United now top the table with 17 points, followed by Remo Stars and Enyimba FC, while Ikorodu City, Akwa United, and Bayelsa United remain in the relegation zone.
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