NIGERIA PREMIER FOOTBALL LEAGUE (NPFL) WEEK 2 ROUNDUP: HOME ADVANTAGE REIGNS SUPREME, BUT A NEW ERA OF AWAY POINTS DAWNS!
Matchday 2 of the NPFL delivered on all its promises, with a mix of commanding home victories, a shocking upset, and some hard-fought draws that signal a new level of competitiveness in the league. The giants were tested, and a couple of clubs have already made a statement of intent, leaving no doubt about their ambitions for the season.
SUMMARY OF ALL THE MATCHES
- Bayelsa United 2-0 Barau FC: The Prosperity Boys are off to a flyer! After a win on the road in Week 1, they returned to Yenagoa to dispatch newcomers Barau FC with a convincing performance. Wisdom Magbisa and Ofem Inoyayi were the goal-scorers, and Bayelsa United now sit at the top of the league with a perfect record.
- Warri Wolves 2-0 Enugu Rangers: Another team with a flawless start! Warri Wolves continued their impressive campaign by comfortably beating Enugu Rangers. Godwin Oham and Prince Eboh found the back of the net, and the Wolves are looking like early contenders for the title, joining Bayelsa at the summit.
- Plateau United 1-2 Katsina United: The biggest shock of the round! Plateau United, a traditional heavyweight, suffered its second consecutive defeat, this time at home to Katsina United. Goals from Sadiq Abubakar and Uche Collins gave the visitors a commanding lead, and despite a late rally from Gideon Monday, Plateau couldn’t salvage a point. They are now at the bottom of the table, a position no one would have predicted.
- Enyimba FC 1-0 Niger Tornadoes: The People’s Elephant got the job done at home, but it was a tight affair. Joseph Abiodun’s second-half goal was enough to secure the victory, keeping Enyimba in the early hunt for the top spots.
- Rivers United 1-0 Kwara United: A hard-fought win for the “Pride of Rivers.” Ubong Friday’s early strike was all that separated the two sides in Port Harcourt. Rivers United have now picked up four points from their first two matches, showing their intent to challenge for the title this season.
- Nasarawa United 1-0 Abia Warriors: Nasarawa United secured their first points of the season at home against Abia Warriors. Ugochukwu Leonard’s 10th-minute goal was the difference-maker in a solid home performance.
- Kano Pillars 1-1 Wikki Tourists: A point apiece for these Northern rivals. Mustapha Umar gave Kano Pillars the lead, but Ahmed Lamo ensured Wikki Tourists left with a valuable away point, highlighting the growing trend of teams being able to get results on the road.
- Ikorodu City 0-0 El-Kanemi Warriors: A tactical battle in Lagos. Ikorodu City played out another goalless draw, while El-Kanemi Warriors picked up a solid away point to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
- Bendel Insurance 1-1 Shooting Stars: A clash of two teams looking for a fresh start. This match ended in a draw, with both teams picking up their first point of the season.
- Kun Khalifat FC 1-2 Remo Stars: The champions, Remo Stars, secured their first victory of the season in Aba. Kun Khalifat, the new boys, put up a good fight but couldn’t stop the defending champions.
CLUB OF THE WEEK
Bayelsa United: With a perfect six points from two games, a commanding home victory, and a consistent display of solid football, Bayelsa United is the undisputed Club of the Week. Their early-season form has sent a clear message to the rest of the league.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Finidi George (Rivers United): Navigating a tricky home fixture against a strong Kwara United side and coming away with three points shows great tactical acumen. After a solid away draw in Week 1, Finidi has his team looking disciplined and ready to compete for the title. His ability to secure results against tough opposition is a testament to his coaching.
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Uche Collins (Katsina United): Scoring the winning goal in a shocking away victory against a heavyweight like Plateau United is no small feat. Uche Collins’s goal sealed the three points for Katsina United and will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the week.
BEST 11 OF THE WEEK (4-3-3 FORMATION)
Goalkeeper:
- Amuzie Kingsley (Rivers United): Played a huge role in keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous Kwara United attack, securing three crucial points for his team.
Defenders:
- Prince Eboh (Warri Wolves): Scored a crucial goal and was a rock in defense, contributing to Warri Wolves’ clean sheet and perfect start.
- Sadiq Abubakar (Katsina United): His goal was vital in setting up Katsina United’s upset victory, and he was defensively solid throughout.
- Godwin Oham (Warri Wolves): Scored the opening goal against Rangers and was a key part of a resolute defensive unit that did not concede.
- Ofem Inoyayi (Bayelsa United): Solid in defense and scored the second goal to seal the win for his team, showcasing his impact at both ends of the pitch.
Midfielders:
- Joseph Abiodun (Enyimba FC): Scored the winning goal for Enyimba, showing up when his team needed him most to get the all-important three points.
- Wisdom Magbisa (Bayelsa United): Opened the scoring from the penalty spot and was a driving force in the midfield, controlling the game for his team.
- Ugochukwu Leonard (Nasarawa United): His early goal was enough to secure a vital home victory and get his team’s season on track.
Forwards:
- Uche Collins (Katsina United): The standout player of the week, he scored the winning goal in the biggest upset of the round. His strike was clinical and decisive.
- Ubong Friday (Rivers United): Scored the early winner in a tense affair, proving to be the difference-maker for Rivers United against a tough opponent.
- Ahmed Lamo (Wikki Tourists): His equalizer against Kano Pillars was a huge away goal, earning his team a valuable point and showing great character on the road.
