Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars, and Abia Warriors extended their winning start to the 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League season following victories over Plateau United, and Bayelsa Queens this mid-week.
In Benin City, Insurance were made to work hard before beating former champions Plateau United 2-1. After a goalless first half, Sarki Ismael opened the lead for the hosts in the 53rd minute before Mustapha Abdullahi struck from the spot to cancell the hosts lead a minute from regulation time.
Late inside additional time, Imade Oserenkhoe, however headed home Julius Emiloju’s free kick to hand the Benin Arsenals their second consecutive victories at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
At the Pantami Township Stadium, Remo Stars pip their hosts Gombe United 1-0 as super-sub Andy Okpe netted the winning goal for the visitors two minutes from regulation time.
The defeat ends Gombe United's unbeaten run at their home ground since 2019, having played 24 games at home, recording 18 wins and six draws before Thursday’s shock defeat.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors continued their fine run under under Coach Erasmus Onu with a 3-1 victory over Bayelsa United and they secured their second consecutive win in the league after humiliating Rangers last Sunday.
The hosts broke the deadlock as early as16th minute through Kalu Nweke before Bello Lukman’s 62nd minute finish doubled the lead. However, the visitors got a late consolation in the 83rd minute before Henry Udezuka struck three minutes from time guranteed the hosts' first triumph at home.
On Thursday at Jos Stadium, Lobi Stars defeated Enugu Rangers 1-0 to bounce back from their slim loss to defending Champions, Rivers United following a late strike from Joseph Atule.
Elsewhere, Ayodeji Ayeni-led Akwa United team forced Enyimba to a barren draw in Aba, while Niger Tornadoes recorded its second consecutive win of the season after a 1-0 victory over newcomers, Doma United thanks to Munir Idris strike in the eighth minute, off an asisist from from Emmanuel Jonas in Jos.
In Akure, Rivers United continued with their title defence after they picked a point at the Akure Township Stadium against Sunshine Stars after the Owenna Whales forced the champions to a 1-1 draw, while at Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars were also held by Kwara United to a 0-0 draw.
Three home wins, two draws and an away win were recorded, with 10 goals in total, scored by the teams in action.
NPFL WEEK 2 RESULTS
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Rivers United
Tornadoes 1- 0 Doma United
Shooting Stars 0-0 Kwara United Enyimba
El-kanemi 2-1 Nasarawa United
