The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is into the second half of the abridged 2023 campaign and it is still Bendel Insurance who continue to be the top performers. The club from Benin City hosted Akwa United in a midweek clash between the top teams in Group A and Akwa did well to fight back from an early deficit to draw 1-1. Imade Osarenkhoe scored his eighth goal of the season inside two minutes but Cyril Olisemah leveled later on in the first half by turning in Friday Ubong’s free kick service to give Akwa a point away from home.
Remo Stars took advantage of Akwa’s draw to leap into second position with a 2-1 victory at El Kanemi Warriors. Andy Okpe, a striker who used to play for Ghanaian club International Allies, put the visitors ahead in the second half before Nduka Junior doubled the lead to put Remo beyond reach. Gombe United and Shooting Stars also earned victories in Group A play on Wednesday.
In Group B, Rivers United remain co-leaders with Lobi Stars at the top of a tightly contested group despite neither team taking part in midweek action. Abia Warriors closed to within a point of the co-leaders with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers while Niger Tornadoes also earned maximum points with a 2-0 result over Wikki Tourists. Only three points separate Lobi Stars and Rivers from sixth placed Doma United with three teams set to advance out of the group for the championship stage.
Highlights from several matches are below following the list of scores and tables from both groups.
Scores
Group A
Enyimba 1-1 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Akwa United
Shooting Stars 3-2 Plateau United
El Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Remo Stars
Gombe United 1-0 Kwara United
Group B
Abia Warriors 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists
Dakkada FC 1-1 Bayelsa United
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Doma United
League Table
Group A
Group B
Highlights
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Akwa United
El Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Doma United
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists
