Shooting Stars thrashed Abia Warriors 4-1 as Rivers United retained top spot following an action-packed NPFL Matchday 11 featuring 20 goals
NPFL: Shooting Stars Thrash Abia Warriors 4-1, Rivers Stay Top
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Shooting Stars produced a commanding performance to thrash Abia Warriors 4-1 in Ibadan on Sunday, while Rivers United retained top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Rangers International on Matchday 11.
The latest round of fixtures produced 20 goals across eight matches, with Rivers United, Rangers, Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars all locked on 18 points in a tightly contested race for the top position.
At the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Shooting Stars delivered one of their most convincing performances of the season, overwhelming Abia Warriors to secure a much-needed victory and climb to 10th position with 15 points from 11 matches.
Damilola Akinola opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 41st minute.
Ibrahim struck again deep into first-half added time to complete his brace and give the Oluyole Warriors a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Abia Warriors pulled one back in the 80th minute, briefly raising hopes of a comeback, but Issa Yusuf extinguished those hopes with an 88th-minute strike to seal the emphatic 4-1 victory for Shooting Stars.
In Kano, Kano Pillars ended Nasarawa United’s five-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Ibrahim Yahaya gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie doubled their advantage in the 64th minute to secure all three points for Sai Masu Gida.
The defeat dropped Nasarawa United to fifth position with 17 points, while Kano Pillars moved into fourth place with 18 points, strengthening their position among the early-season title contenders.
Rivers United, meanwhile, maintained their position at the summit after playing out a 1-1 draw against Rangers International.
The result left both clubs on 18 points, but Rivers retained first place with a superior goal difference of 10 against Rangers’ five. Rivers have played 11 matches, while Rangers have two outstanding fixtures.
Bendel Insurance also moved to 18 points following an impressive 2-1 away victory over Kwara United. The Benin-based side climbed to third position and still have a game in hand over the two leading teams.
Elsewhere, Enyimba secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kun Khalifat to move to 16th position with 11 points, providing some relief for the former champions after a difficult start to the campaign.
Plateau United and Warri Wolves settled for a 1-1 draw, while Katsina United defeated Sporting Lagos 2-1 to strengthen their position in the top half of the standings.
Inter Lagos and Rangers Bees also played out a draw, leaving both sides under pressure as they battle to move away from the lower end of the table.
Inter Lagos remain bottom with three points following a three-point and three-goal deduction for an infringement. Warri Wolves, who also suffered a similar deduction, occupy 17th position with 10 points.
With Rivers United, Rangers International, Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars all tied on 18 points, goal difference remains the deciding factor in the race for the NPFL summit.
Nasarawa United trail the leading quartet with 17 points, while Plateau United, Barau FC, Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United have 16 points each.
