Imade the deciding factor as Bendel Insurance edge Enyimba, Shooting Stars involved in another thriller

NPFL Imade the deciding factor as Bendel Insurance edge Enyimba, Shooting Stars involved in another thriller

Jidechi Chidiezie 18:48 - 19.02.2023

Bendel Insurance remains the only team this season, yet to lose a game.

The 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League season entered its midway point on Sunday, as teams played their ninth games of the abridged season.

In Group A, only two games were held on Sunday with leaders Bendel Insurance edging second-placed Enyimba in Benin City, and Shooting Stars yet again, unable to get a win off a high-scoring home encounter.

Here is a quick round-up of matches in Group A.

Bendel Insurance 1-0 Enyimba

Bendel Insurance: who only got promoted this season, continued their fine form at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, as they nicked a 1-0 win over the record NPFL champions.

Prior, Insurance had won six of their league matches this season, drawing only two, and they ensured nothing was going to change in the Battle of the Elders as Imade Osarenkhoe scored for the sixth time, to give them a fine start in the 23rd minute.

Enyimba did have their own chances at goal, some of which could have seen the league's top scorer Chukwuemeka Obioma add to his tally this season, however, the Benin Arsenals at every juncture, ensured they kept their visitors at bay.

The win now sees Bendel Insurance with 23 points, extending the lead at the top of the Group A table by seven points.

Shooting Stars 2-2 Akwa United

At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Shooting Stars were involved in yet another four-goal thriller with their guests, and yet again, failed to nick a win at home.

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The Ibadan club who played out a 2-all with Bendel Insurance last weekend in their last home game were the first to open the scoring in their 2-2 draw with Akwa United on Sunday. However, the lead did not last long as Uche Collins equalized Joshua Akpan's 15th-minute opener after just five minutes.

Akwa United then took the lead three minutes to the half-hour mark as Liman Ahmadu scored the third of the day, but Shooting responded on the stroke of half-time as Ibrahim Ajani put the game back at parity.

The draw now sees Akwa United climb into playoff qualification places in Group A and, behind Bendel Insurance and Enyimba. Shooting Stars on their part, make do with the 6th position.

Other Group A Week 9 fixtures

Gombe United vs Plateau United - Monday, February 19

Nasarawa United vs Remo Stars - Monday, February 19

El Kanemi Warriors vs Kwara United - Wednesday, February 22

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