A spirited Lobi Stars defeated a struggling Enugu Rangers at the New Jos Stadium to gain their first victory of the abridged 2022–23 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Rangers are presently under intense pressure after losing their debut league encounter at home to Abia Warriors, while Lobi Stars needed to win to start their stay in Jos and boost confidence in the team following the defeat against Rivers United.
The only goal of the game was scored by Joseph Atule in the 82nd minute after Rangers had applied pressure to the Lobi.
With a 3-1 victory over Bayelsa United at the Umuahia Township stadium, Abia Warriors also maintained their strong start to the season.
In the second minute, Kalu Nweke scored to get things started, and in the 65th, Bello Lukman made it 2-0. Bayelsa managed to regain possession of the ball in the 83rd minute, but Henry Udezuka ended their dreams by making it 3-1 in the 87th.
Dakkada FC defeated visiting Wikki Tourist 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to maintain second place in Group B.
Ismaila Maiyaki’s second-minute goal startled the home team, but Kufre Ebong’s goal in the 30th minute tied the score, and Aniekan Okon Ekpe’s goal with 30 minutes left gave Dakkada FC the victory.
Enyimba’s match against Akwa United concluded in a scoreless stalemate, preventing them from earning all three points, but they still lead Group A with four points.
While Enugu Rangers and Wikki Tourists are the only clubs in the group without a win or a draw, Abia Warriors continue to lead Group B with 6 points.
Meanwhile, league action continues on Thursday with Bendel Insurance hosting Plateau United and Nasarawa United visiting El-Kanemi Warriors.
At the Pantami Stadium, Gombe United will take on Remo Stars, while the Group A match between Shooting Stars and Kwara United will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
In Group B, Rivers United, the defending champions, will visit Sunshine Stars at the Akure Township Stadium, while Niger Tornadoes will host Doma United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
