The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed a spectacle of thrilling encounters on Matchday 5, offering football enthusiasts an exciting array of results. From late-minute drama to goal-packed showdowns, the weekend’s fixtures had it all, MySportDab reports.
In the match between Gombe United and Plateau United, Sadiq Shuaibu stole the spotlight with a 94th-minute penalty that secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Gombe United. This last-gasp triumph left Plateau United tasting the bitterness of defeat.
Meanwhile, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers orchestrated a footballing masterclass, trouncing Kano Pillars 4-1. Nwaodu Chukwudi starred as he netted a brace, while Godwin Obaje and Issac Saviour joined the scoring frenzy. Muhammad Yakubu’s solitary goal was a mere consolation for Kano Pillars, who found themselves outplayed by the rampant Rangers.
Bendel Insurance and Akwa United locked horns in a match that yielded no goals, ultimately culminating in a 0-0 draw. The stalemate extends Akwa United’s winless streak, a situation that they will be keen to rectify as the season unfolds.
Rivers United sent shockwaves through the league with a late 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Alex Oyowah was the hero of the day, stunning Lobi Stars with a sublime volley in the 42nd minute. The triumph marked Lobi Stars’ first defeat of the season and demonstrated the quality of Rivers United.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars displayed their tenacity by rallying from a one-goal deficit to triumph over Doma United, securing a 3-1 win. Goals from Gbolagade Adelowo, Ademola Ayinde, and a late strike from Gideon Monday in the 93rd minute turned the tide in favor of Shooting Stars. Nelson Abiam had earlier given Doma United the lead in the ninth minute.
Katsina United showcased their resilience in a thrilling contest against Sunshine Stars. Although Michael Olalusi opened the scoring for Sunshine Stars, Michael Ibe leveled the score before halftime. Sunshine Stars reclaimed the lead with an Olulasi spot-kick, but Katsina United responded emphatically in the second half. Bello Lukman’s two brilliant strikes in the 49th and 62nd minutes orchestrated an incredible comeback, sealing a 3-2 victory for Katsina United.
In Yenagoa, Robert Mizo continued his prolific form with a brace in Bayelsa United’s 2-1 win over Kwara United. Mizo opened the scoring within the first ten minutes, but Samuel Ayanrinde pulled one back for Kwara United in the 19th minute. Mizo’s second goal, a close-range strike in the 32nd minute, secured all three points for Bayelsa United. Mizo’s season tally now stands at five goals.
Sporting Lagos secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium. Jonathan Alukwu ignited the scoring with a brilliant volley in the 27th minute. Junior Lokosa doubled the lead with a spectacular solo effort, giving Sporting Lagos a 2-0 halftime lead. Yahuza Bala managed to pull one back for Tornadoes in the 67th minute, but it wasn’t sufficient to salvage a point as Sporting Lagos claimed all three points.
The NPFL Matchday 5 provided fans with a thrilling spectacle, where goals flowed, comebacks occurred, and late winners stunned. The league continues to deliver gripping and captivating football action that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, promising even more excitement in the matches to come.
