AFCON 2025
Shooting Stars turned the Lekan Salami Stadium into a stage on Sunday evening, running riot against Abia Warriors in a 4-1 victory that stands as their most emphatic result of the campaign.
The Oluyole Warriors had a point to prove. A fortnight of frustration lingered after they surrendered a two-goal lead against Ikorodu City in the Southwest Derby, and they met Abia’s visit with a hunger that was obvious from the opening whistle. Damilola Akintola fired them ahead in the eighth minute, and Sodiq Ibrahim struck twice before the interval, the second coming just before the break, to send the hosts in with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Abia Warriors came to Ibadan hoping to end a four-match drought and left with a fifth straight game without a win. They found a consolation in the 80th minute, but Issa Yusuf swiftly extinguished any thought of a fightback with the fourth. The three points carry Shooting Stars into the top half of the table on 15 points from 10 games.
Over in Port Harcourt, the league’s two heavyweights cancelled each other out. Rivers United and reigning champions Enugu Rangers drew 1-1 in a tense clash that leaves both on 18 points. Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers a narrow advantage in the 18th minute, but veteran marksman Godwin Obaje hauled Rangers level shortly after the break, his third goal of the season.
Rangers had to dig deep after being reduced to ten men in the final quarter, and they did enough to protect the point. The champions still have two games in hand on their rivals.
Bendel Insurance provided the round’s only away victory, winning 2-1 in Ilorin against Kwara United to climb into the top four on 18 points from 10 matches. Katsina United edged Sporting Lagos by the same scoreline, Kano Pillars saw off Nasarawa United 2-0, and Plateau United and Warri Wolves shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
NPFL Matchday 11 results
Shooting Stars 4-1 Abia Warriors
Rivers United 1-1 Rangers International
Kwara United 1-2 Bendel Insurance
Katsina United 2-1 Sporting Lagos
Kano Pillars 2-0 Nasarawa United
Enyimba 1-0 Kun Khalifat
Plateau United 1-1 Warri Wolves
Inter Lagos 1-1 Ranchers Bees
