The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season took center stage over the weekend as matchday thirteen unfolded, delivering a thrilling array of encounters that left fans on the edge of their seats. Nine matches illuminated the footballing landscape on December 9 and 10, 2023, showcasing the resilience, skill, and tenacity of the competing teams, MySportDab reports.
The action kicked off on Saturday at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe State, where Doma United FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars FC. The lone goal marked a promising start to the weekend’s football spectacle.
Sunday’s spotlight shone brightly on the Abia derby between Enyimba FC and Abia Warriors. Enyimba FC, the reigning NPFL title holders, set the tone with Happy Eze opening the scoring six minutes before halftime. C. Nnachi extended the lead to 2-0 on the hour mark. Despite Augustine Njoku’s late effort for Abia Warriors, Enyimba FC held on for a 2-1 triumph, showcasing their championship pedigree.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars orchestrated a brilliant return to the top of the table with a convincing 2-0 win over Kwara United. Goals from Adams Olamilekan and Samad Kadiri reflected the attacking prowess of Daniel Ogunmodede’s tutored Sky Blues, securing a vital three points.
Plateau United FC added a significant chapter to their season by securing their first away win, overcoming Niger Tornadoes in a thrilling 3-2 encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. Harrison Ebah’s early goal for Plateau United was met with a brace from Bashir Usman for Tornadoes. The drama unfolded in the final quarter, as Albert Hilary and Silas Nenrot struck, ensuring Plateau United departed with maximum points.
Eket witnessed a moment of brilliance as Seyi Oguntayo’s sublime strike from outside the box propelled Akwa United to a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars. The win marked Akwa United’s third triumph of the season, showcasing their determination and quality.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Bendel Insurance secured a 1-0 win against Sunshine Stars courtesy of Benjamin Tanimu’s fourth-minute penalty-kick. The early goal proved decisive as Bendel Insurance claimed the maximum points at home.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United FC displayed resilience against Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Enugu Rangers, securing a convincing 2-0 win to bolster their fight against relegation. Kehinde Lawal and Ekeson Okorie were the goal scorers, delivering a vital victory for the Restoration Boys.
Gombe United showcased a resurgence at the Pantami Township Stadium by defeating Heartland FC 2-0. Umar Abba fired the Savannah Scorpions ahead in the first minute, setting the tone for a crucial win to break their poor run. Alakwe Chijioke doubled the advantage three minutes before the hour mark, sealing a 2-0 triumph over the bottom-of-the-table Heartland FC.
As the dust settles on matchday thirteen, the NPFL landscape has witnessed spectacular performances, unexpected turns, and teams staking their claim for supremacy. The season promises more excitement and challenges as teams jostle for position in the league standings.
