Bernice Larryoboh
Bendel Insurance of Benin has maintained their unbeaten record in the on-going abridged 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) league with 1-0 narrow victory over fellow title chasers, Enyimba FC of Aba.
The keenly contested Match-day 9 encounter which marked the completion of the first half of the 2022/2023 abridged season went in the favour of the Benin Arsenal at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
Imade Osarenkhoe who has scored 5 goals before the encounter added to his tally to extend Bendel’s dominance and ensure that he remains one of the top scorers in the league this season.
With that victory, Bendel remains undefeated at the top of the Group A log with 23 points from 9 while Enyimba remains second, though with seven points adrift of the leaders.
Similarly, in a 4-goal thriller, Shooting Stars hold Akwa United in 2-2 goal draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Shooting’s Joshua Akpan had given his team a one goal lead early on but Akwa produced a two-goal comeback to lead 2-1 until Ajani restored parity in the last minute of the first half to rescue a point for the host team.
Result from Group B saw table toppers, Lobi Stars shock visiting Doma United with two goals in two minutes to maintain their lead at the top of group B. The match ended 2-0.
The victory ensures that the Lobi stars keep a four-point lead over Rivers United, the reigning champions who have two games in hand while Doma United will have to push further to gain a place in the qualification places after suffering defeat.
In Akure, Samson Olasupo’s 59th minutes strike was enough to give Sunshine Stars 3 points over Wikki Tourist consequently moving into second place on the log while Godwin Obaje’s fifth minute goal was not enough to cement the victory for Bayelsa United as Robert Mizo drew Enugu Rangers level to snatch one point for Enugu Rangers in the match.
In the final league action on Sunday, Niger Tornadoes snatched a 1-0 victory over Dakkada FC to move sixth place in group B.
