Plateau United delivered a standout result in Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, thrashing Kano Pillars 4-0. Paul Samson opened the scoring after just three minutes, giving the hosts an early advantage. Ekundayo Ojo doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, while Samuel Ayanrinde added a third in the 82nd minute. Nenrot Silas converted a penalty in the 90th minute to complete the rout, lifting Plateau United to 14 points and third place in the standings.
Rangers International retained top spot after rescuing a late 2-2 draw against Barau FC. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute, but Joseph Atule equalised for Barau from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Aliyu Sugau converted another penalty 12 minutes later to give the hosts the lead. However, Chidiebere Nwobodo scored in the 90th minute to secure a point for Rangers, who moved to 17 points from eight matches.
Rivers United maintained their unbeaten start with a goalless draw against Abia Warriors, moving to 16 points and remaining firmly in contention for the top position. The draw kept Rivers United just one point behind Rangers International. Elsewhere, Sporting Lagos came from behind to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1, with Victor Samuel and Gafar Olaniyan scoring for the hosts after Kayode Oke had put Bendel Insurance ahead.
Ikorodu City strengthened their position in the top half of the table with a 2-0 victory over Kwara United. Saheed Olaniyi was sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence, leaving Kwara United with 10 players. Nasarawa United also secured a 2-0 win, defeating Doma United through goals from Sunday Dapman and Jofrank Istifanus, who converted a penalty.
Warri Wolves earned a valuable 3-1 victory over Inter Lagos, providing a boost for their survival bid. The result left Inter Lagos with work to do after the defeat. In another match, Ranchers Bees and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw despite the hosts being reduced to 10 players after Habibu Yakubu received a straight red card.
Enyimba’s difficult start continued with a 4-2 defeat to Katsina United, leaving the former African champions with seven points from eight matches and deep in the relegation zone. The loss was a significant setback for Enyimba, who are struggling to find form in the NPFL.
The early-season race remains closely contested, with Rangers and Rivers United separated by just one point and Plateau United moving into third place. Kun Khalifat FC recorded another 2-0 victory, overcoming Shooting Stars to collect three points in their campaign. The NPFL standings are becoming increasingly competitive, with several teams still in contention for the top spot.
Key points
- Rangers International retained top spot with 17 points from eight matches.
- Plateau United climbed to third place with 14 points following their 4-0 win over Kano Pillars.
- Enyimba are deep in the relegation zone with seven points from eight matches after their 4-2 defeat to Katsina United.
