Doma United and Bendel Insurance secured identical 2-0 wins over Katsina United and Rangers respectively in the first matches of 2024 in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Savannah Tigers and the Changi Boys faced off in Gombe at the Pantami Stadium, while Insurance and the Flying Antelopes met at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for a traditional contest in Benin.
Doma United, who have shown incredible consistency in the top flight this season, utilized their opportunities in the opening 10 minutes to make light work of the visitors. Two minutes into kick-off, Bidemi Owoku gave them the lead following a brilliant team move. Owoku had to score on his second attempt within seconds after Emmanuel Ekpeyong played him through with an exquisite reverse pass leading to Katsina United goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum blocking Owoku’s initial effort.
While Abubakar Bala’s Katsina United were still trying to find their feet in the game, Doma United doubled their lead after Samuel Enefiok directed home Andrew Majalisa’s shot-turned cross past Kolimba for Doma United on eight minutes.
It was the perfect start to the new year for Akinade Onigbinde’s men who are now top of the NPFL with 31 points pending when Remo Stars and Lobi Stars play on Sunday. Meanwhile, Doma United are the only NPFL side yet to concede at home this season.
In the day’s other game, Insurance claimed the bragging rights in the clash against Rangers following goals from Junior Osaghae and Ismael Sarki.
Monday Odigie’s side took the lead after inside 15 mins following a free kick routine as Paul Obata’s cross was directed into the net by Osaghae. The home side were defensively solid as usual and they went ahead to get a second goal when Ismael Sarki benefited from a defensive blunder to score on 61 minutes.
With the win, Bendel Insurance moved into fourth place with 27 points, while Rangers stay in ninth place.
Other matches in the top flight will be played on Sunday across other eight match venues across the country.
NPFL Fixtures on Sunday
Gombe United v Rivers United
Akwa United v Abia Warriors
Enyimba v Sporting Lagos
Kano Pillars v Plateau United
Kwara United v Lobi Stars
Niger Tornadoes v Heartland
Remo Stars v Sunshine Stars
Shooting Stars v Bayelsa United
