In a thrilling match at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars secured their biggest win of the season, dismantling Abia Warriors 4-1 on Sunday evening. The Oluyole Warriors were seeking a response after dropping points in the Southwest Derby against Ikorodu City, despite taking a 2-0 lead within the first half hour. Abia Warriors, on the other hand, were looking to end their four-game winless run, but it extended to five as they succumbed to a convincing defeat.
Shooting Stars dominated the match, racing to a 3-0 lead at halftime. Damilola Akintola scored the first goal in the eighth minute, followed by Sodiq Ibrahim, who doubled the lead in the 41st minute and scored again before the break. The hosts continued to assert their dominance, with Issa Yusuf restoring the three-goal cushion after Abia Warriors had pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, sealing a 4-1 win.
The victory propelled Shooting Stars to the top half of the table with 15 points after 10 matches. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Rivers United and reigning champions Enugu Rangers ended in a draw in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Mbaoma scored the opener in the 18th minute, giving the hosts a narrow advantage at halftime.
However, veteran striker Godwin Obaje restored parity for Rangers a few minutes after the restart, registering his third goal of the season. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the final quarter of the match, Rangers held on to secure a point. The draw leaves Rivers United on top of the league with 18 points, tied with Enugu Rangers, who have two games outstanding.
In other matches, Bendel Insurance secured the only away win of matchday 11, beating Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin to move into the top four with 18 points from 10 matches. Enyimba recorded a 1-0 win over Kun Khalifa but remain in the relegation zone, along with Abia Warriors, Ranchers Bees, and Inter Lagos.
The matchday 11 results also saw Kano Pillars secure a 2-0 win over Nasarawa United, while Katsina United edged Sporting Lagos 2-1. Plateau United and Warri Wolves played out a 1-1 draw, and Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate.
The NPFL matchday 11 results are as follows: Enyimba 1-0 Kun Khalifat, Inter Lagos 1-1 Ranchers Bees, Kano Pillars 2-0 Nasarawa United, Katsina United 2-1 Sporting Lagos, Kwara United 1-2 Bendel Insurance, Plateau United 1-1 Warri Wolves, Rivers United 1-1 Rangers International, and Shooting Stars 4-1 Abia Warriors.
Key points
- Shooting Stars secured their biggest win of the season, thrashing Abia Warriors 4-1.
- Rivers United and Enugu Rangers played out a draw, leaving Rivers United on top of the league with 18 points.
- Bendel Insurance secured the only away win of matchday 11, beating Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin.
