- Katsina United snatched a last-minute 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance
- Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United shared the spoils in a goalless draw
- Sunshine Stars had a goal disallowed, missing a chance to equalise against Remo Stars
The second round of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures provided a weekend brimming with excitement, with last-gasp winners, hard-fought draws, and tight defenses stealing the show.
While some rose to the occasion with commanding performances, others struggled to capitalise on opportunities. From dramatic late winners to underwhelming stalemates, matchday two lived up to the thrilling reputation of Nigerian football league.
Katsina United vs. Bendel Insurance
Katsina United left it late to secure their first win of the season, defeating Bendel Insurance 2-1 in front of their home crowd. The game’s momentum swung early as Bendel Insurance took the lead with a James Orosanye strike in the 17th minute. However, Katsina United quickly responded when Lookman Bello equalized just five minutes later, setting the stage for an enthralling second half.
As the game approached stoppage time, with Insurance looking to escape with a point, midfielder Azeez Falolu stunned the visitors with a stoppage-time winner, sealing the three points for the home side. Bendel Insurance, following a goalless draw against Rivers United last week, now sits with just one point after two matches.
Bayelsa United vs. Kano Pillars
Bayelsa United had Rabiu Abdullahi to thank for avoiding back-to-back defeats. His 56th-minute strike earned a 1-1 draw with Kano Pillars in a thrilling match at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Bayelsa, under coach Ladan Bosso, showed commendable improvement from last week’s defeat against Sunshine Stars.
Kano Pillars at first seemed like they had the edge when Auwal Malam capitalised on a defensive lapse to give his side the lead just before halftime.
Succumbing to the pressure, Bayelsa introduced key substitutions that changed the course of the game, with Rabiu Abdullahi giving the equaliser. Despite creating chances to secure the win, Bayelsa couldn’t break down Pillars' solid defense.
Niger Tornadoes vs. Nasarawa United
Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw against Nasarawa United, much to the disappointment of their home crowd, who had waited four years to see their team back on home turf.
“The boys were under pressure from the crowd,” Tornadoes coach Ma’ajin Mohammed stated.
Having beaten Kwara United in their opening fixture, Tornadoes couldn’t replicate their attacking prowess, though Mohammed remained optimistic for the next game.
Akwa United vs. Abia Warriors
Akwa United narrowly avoided defeat, thanks to Edidiong Ezekiel’s stoppage-time penalty, securing a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors.
Technical adviser Muhammad Babaganaru was left frustrated with his team’s inability to convert chances. “It was a bad outing for us,” he lamented.
Despite dominating the game, Akwa couldn’t make their superiority count until the dying moments. Babaganaru knows his side needs to improve, with two points from two games not matching their ambitions for the season.
Remo Stars vs. Sunshine Stars
Remo Stars maintained their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars. Ibrahim’s superb finish in the 7th minute was all it took to separate the sides in the South-West derby.
Sunshine Stars thought they had equalized when Promise Awosanmi found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. With back-to-back clean sheets, Remo Stars seem ready for the league battle.
Rivers United vs. Heartland
Rivers United returned to winning ways, outscoring Heartland 3-1 in a physically engaging contest. The hosts took an early lead through Taofeek Otaniyi’s header, but Heartland responded minutes before halftime.
Rivers United, determined to bounce back from a disappointing draw last week, regained the lead through Kabiru Abdullahi and sealed the victory with a stoppage-time free-kick from the same player.
This victory moves Rivers to the top of the NPFL table, with four points from two games.
Matchday Two Results:
Akwa United 1-1 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 1-1 Kano Pillars
Katsina United 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Nasarawa United
Shooting Stars 1-1 Plateau United
Remo Stars 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Rivers United 3-1 Heartland
Upcoming Matchday 2 fixtures:
Ikorodu City vs. Enugu Rangers (Sept. 25)
Enyimba vs. Lobi Stars (Sept. 25)
NPFL opener between Enugu Rangers, El Kanemi Warriors ends in draw
Previously, TheRadar reported that Enugu Rangers were held to a frustrating goalless draw by El Kanemi Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League opener at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Saturday.
Despite their recent triumph as league champions just 68 days prior, the Flying Antelopes struggled to break down a resilient El Kanemi side, who recently won the President Federation Cup.
