Nigeria's former Premier Football League champions, Enyimba, are enduring their worst start to a top-flight season in 27 years. They suffered a fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday, losing 3-2 to newly promoted Sporting Lagos at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. This result leaves Enyimba without a point after four matches, with their opening-day struggles including defeats at Niger Tornadoes and Doma United.
Enyimba chairman and former Nigeria international, Nwankwo Kanu, had appealed to supporters to remain behind the team ahead of the match. Kanu described the disappointing losses and urged fans to stand with the team as they seek to end their winless run. However, Sporting Lagos inflicted another defeat on Enyimba, despite Stanley Dimgba putting Enyimba ahead shortly before half-time. Abdullahi Abdulraqeeb, Tobi Ige Iyanda, Haruna Hadi, and Daniel Aboh scored for Sporting Lagos.
The latest defeat means Enyimba have failed to win any of their opening four league matches for the first time in 27 years and leaves them at the bottom of the table. In contrast, Barau FC moved to the top of the table after defeating Abia Warriors 2-0. Joseph Atule and Ibrahim Ayoola scored for Barau FC, with the Maliya Boys remaining unbeaten and accumulating 11 points from five matches.
Defending champions Rangers International secured a late 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, with Chidozie Iwundu scoring 10 minutes from full-time. The result moved Rangers to second place, one point behind Barau FC, with a game in hand. Doma United, who began the matchweek at the top of the table, dropped to third after being held to a 2-2 draw by Plateau United.
Other matches saw Bendel Insurance defeat Ikorodu City 2-1, with Chinedu Nwosu and Alex Oweilayefa scoring for Insurance. Kwara United secured a 2-1 home victory over Nasarawa United, while Shooting Stars defeated Katsina United 2-0. Katsina United played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Ahmed Kabir Yallilo was sent off.
Inter Lagos were held to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars, who were 15 minutes away from recording their first away win of the season. Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in Minna. The final fixture of the matchweek will see Rivers United host Kun Khalifat FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The NPFL matchweek has concluded with several teams making significant moves in the table. Barau FC's top spot and Enyimba's struggles will likely be key storylines in the coming weeks. The league will continue with Rivers United's match against Kun Khalifat FC on Thursday.
Key points
- Enyimba suffer worst start in 27 years
- Barau FC move to top of NPFL table
- Rangers International secure late win over Ranchers Bees
