Matchday Four of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered impressive away victories, with Rangers International, Abia Warriors, and Kano Pillars producing standout performances. Defending champions Rangers International underlined their title credentials with a 4-2 victory over Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Temitope Folarin and Waheed Adebayo put Rangers in control before Chimobi Igwilo struck twice, while Preye Seikorowei and Ayuba Umar replied for Kun Khalifat.
Kano Pillars produced a statement win at the Sani Abacha Stadium, demolishing previously perfect Doma United 4-1. Abdullahi Musa and veteran captain Rabiu Ali put Pillars two goals up before Sadiq Rilwan reduced the deficit. Ahmed Musa and Nasiru Salihu then completed the rout. Despite the setback, Doma remains top with nine points from four games, while Pillars surged to third with seven points from three matches.
Enyimba's troubled start to the season continued as newcomers Inter Lagos claimed a famous 1-0 win in Aba. Ezekiel Moses' 18th-minute header secured Inter's first points of their maiden NPFL campaign and moved them to 18th with three points. Enyimba are rooted to 20th without a point from three matches, making them the league's only pointless side.
Abia Warriors left it late to stun Sporting Lagos 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Ikoi Etta struck in the 88th minute before Emeka Obioma sealed the victory in the 90th. The result pushed Abia Warriors to 10th with five points, while Sporting Lagos sit joint-15th on three points. Warri Wolves earned their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Kwara United, Ejike Ezekiel striking after only eight minutes.
Plateau United also produced a stirring comeback in Jos, beating Shooting Stars 3-1. Taheer Abubakar gave 3SC a 15th-minute lead, but Jibrin Ibrahim equalised five minutes after the restart before Seiyefa Jackson and Gideon Monday completed the turnaround. Plateau climbed to sixth with seven points, while Shooting Stars are 15th with three points from two matches.
Rivers United remained unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with Nasarawa United in Lafia. Harrison Ebah's 66th-minute own goal handed Rivers the lead before Musa Yakubu converted an 84th-minute penalty for the hosts. Rivers sit fourth with seven points from three games, while Nasarawa are 13th with four points.
In other matches, Barau FC maintained their unbeaten start with a goalless draw against Ikorodu City in Lagos, while Ranchers Bees defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1. Katsina United also edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 through Abdulrahman Garba's 21st-minute goal.
Key points
- Doma United maintains top spot despite loss to Kano Pillars.
- Enyimba's struggles continue with a 1-0 loss to Inter Lagos.
- Rangers International and Abia Warriors produce impressive away victories.
