With several of Nigeria’s top clubs taking part in Group A of the abridged 2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season there has been less attention on Group B but Benue State club Lobi Stars are continuing their strong run at the top of the group. The Makurdi side stretched their unbeaten run to six matches with a 2-1 home win over Dakkada FC on Sunday while displaying focused attacking play. Joseph Atule completed an excellent team move with a calm finish to put Lobi up in the 8th minute before Atue’s strike partner Kumaga Suur put the hosts beyond reach with a well placed header early in the second half.
Lobi Stars are three points ahead of Abia Warriors and Rivers United, who did not take part in the weekend’s action due to CAF Confederation Cup duties. Abia Warriors could only manage a 1-1 home draw against struggling Wikki Tourists while Sunshine Stars moved into fourth place on twelve points by defeating Niger Tornadoes 2-0 in the presence of Nigeria men’s national team coach José Peseiro.
In Group A, leaders Bendel Insurance failed to protect a two-goal lead at Shooting Stars as the hosts surged back for a 2-2 draw. However there were little consequences for Bendel after closest competitors Akwa United and Remo Stars were both held to draws as well. Enyimba won 2-1 at Gombe United to jump into a tie for second place with Remo Stars, both now four points back of Bendel.
The list of scores from the weekend is below followed by the current tables in both groups and highlights from several matches.
Scores
Group A
Gombe United 1-2 Enyimba
Nasarawa United 2-0 Kwara United
Shooting Stars 2-2 Bendel Insurance
El Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United
Remo Stars 1-1 Plateau United
Group B
Abia Warriors 1-1 Wikki Tourists
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Doma United
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Lobi Stars 2-1 Dakkada FC
League Table
Highlights
Shooting Stars 2-2 Bendel Insurance
Remo Stars 1-1 Plateau United
Lobi Stars 2-1 Dakkada FC
El Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United
