CHAMPIONS Enyimba earned their first points of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 3-2 victory over Akwa United in Aba today, while Remo Stars secured the first away win of the campaign.
Enyimba were 2-0 up and coasting but the visitors from Uyo pulled it back to 2-2 before the People’s Elephant dug deep to score the winning goal.
Innocent Gabriel and Chijioke Mbaoma struck in the 12th and 14th minutes for the champions but Kufre Ebong gave Akwa United some hope on the stroke of half-time and David Philip equalised just past the hour mark.
Somairi Alalibo netted in the 71st minute to spare Finidi George’s side some embarrassment as they shook off the effects of last week’s defeat at Gombe United.
In Yenagoa, Remo Stars became the first side to win away from home this season by beating 10-man Bayelsa United 2-1.
Goalkeeper Oluaseun Solomon was sent off for Bayelsa United for handling the ball outside the box in the first half and Remo Stars took full advantage.
Adams Olamilekan struck in the fourth minute and Sikiru Alimi extended the visitors’ lead in the 78th minute before Ekeson Okorie pulled one back with two minutes left of regulation time.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club, also known as 3SC, came from behind to beat visitors Gombe United 2-1.
Taofeek Malomo netted the winner in the 88th minute to earn 3SC their second home win of the season.
In Awka, Enugu Rangers defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1 to go level on six points with Bendel Insurance at the top of the standings.
Joel Odoh and Godwin Obaje gave the Flying Antelopes a two-goal cushion into half-time, with Bashir Usman reducing the deficit 11 minutes after the break.
Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 to also get to six points, while Rivers United were held 0-0 at home by Kwara United.
There was also a goalless draw in Lagos between Sporting Lagos and Doma United as the newly promoted hosts remain unbeaten and have kept three straight clean sheets.
Bendel Insurance beat Plateau United 1-0 in Benin City in one of the games yesterday to retain their 100 percent start to the campaign with two wins in two games.
NPFL RESULTS
SATURDAY
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Plateau United
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Heartland
Katsina United 0-0 Lobi Stars
SUNDAY
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars
Rivers United 0-0 Kwara United
Rangers 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Bayelsa United 1-2 Remo Stars
Sporting Lagos 0-0 Doma United
Enyimba 3-2 Akwa United
3SC 2-1 Gombe United
