NPFL Roundup: Sporting Lagos compound Enyimba crisis as Barau climb top

Former NPFL champions Enyimba are enduring their worst start to a top-flight season in 27 years after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday.

The nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions were beaten 3-2 by newly promoted Sporting Lagos at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, leaving the People’s Elephant without a point after four matches.

The defeat came just four days after Enyimba lost 1-0 to another Lagos club, Inter Lagos, at the same venue.

Their opening-day struggles had already included defeats at Niger Tornadoes and Doma United, with the former African champions losing 2-1 in Minna before falling 2-0 to Doma United.

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.

Sporting Lagos complete comeback

Enyimba appeared set for a first win of the season when Stanley Dimgba put them ahead shortly before half-time.

Sporting Lagos responded six minutes into the second half through Abdullahi Abdulraqeeb before Tobi Ige Iyanda restored Enyimba’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 54th minute.

Haruna Hadi levelled for the visitors 11 minutes later before substitute Daniel Aboh completed Sporting Lagos’ comeback with the winning goal in the 69th minute.

The result compounded a difficult start for Enyimba, whose chairman and former Nigeria international, Nwankwo Kanu, had appealed to supporters to remain behind the team ahead of the match.

“The times have not been most favourable. We understand the weight of the disappointing losses, and we are determined to make things right,” Kanu said.

“In the rain, you came out to support us against Inter Lagos. Though it did not go our way, you supported us till the final minute, and we do not take that support for granted.

“We implore you to stand with us as we wriggle our way out of this labyrinth.”

Kanu had described the Sporting Lagos fixture as another opportunity to end the winless run.

“Next for us is a home game against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday as we seek our first win of the season. A win can be a propeller,” he said.

But Sporting Lagos instead inflicted another defeat on the Aba giants.

Barau take top spot

While Enyimba continued to struggle, Barau FC moved to the top of the table after defeating Abia Warriors 2-0.

Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st minute.

The Maliya Boys remain unbeaten and now have 11 points from five matches.

Defending champions Rangers International left it late to defeat Ranchers Bees 1-0, with Chidozie Iwundu scoring 10 minutes from full-time.

The result moved Rangers to second place, one point behind Barau, 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.

Michael Adegbite gave Doma United a two-goal advantage before Gideon Monday, and Paul Samson scored for Plateau United to secure a point.

Bendel Insurance defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

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Chinedu Nwosu put Insurance ahead from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, but Aderemi Adeoye equalised for Ikorodu City in the 79th minute.

Alex Oweilayefa then struck six minutes from full-time to give Kennedy Boboye’s side their third win of the campaign.

Kwara United also secured a 2-1 home victory over Nasarawa United, with Sanni Muhammed and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam scoring for the hosts, while Jofrank Istifanus replied for the visitors.

Shooting Stars defeated Katsina United 2-0 through goals from Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke.

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.

Ubong Friday gave Pillars the lead in the first half before Bashir Abdulkarim equalised for Inter Lagos.

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.