NPFL: Bendel Insurance beat Remo Stars as NPFL weekend delivers late drama

Defending champions Remo Stars were handed a shock 3–2 defeat at home by Bendel Insurance in a pulsating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Sunday, as a dramatic matchday unfolded across the country, Sport360NG reports.

Bendel Insurance made a confident start and took the lead in the 14th minute when Wisdom Ndon found the net to quieten the home crowd. The visitors tightened their grip on the contest two minutes before the half-hour mark, with Chinedu Nwosu doubling the advantage and piling pressure on the champions.

Remo Stars responded swiftly as Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back shortly before the half-hour, briefly reigniting hopes of a comeback. However, Bendel Insurance restored their two-goal cushion five minutes before the interval when Henry Onyian inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sending the visitors into the break with a 3–1 lead.

The hosts pushed forward with renewed urgency after the restart and were rewarded in the 62nd minute when seasoned striker Victor Mbaoma reduced the deficit to 3–2. Despite sustained pressure and late attacking surges from Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance remained resolute to seal a memorable away victory over the title holders.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Warri Wolves at the Umuahia Township Stadium, courtesy of a stoppage-time penalty. Sunday Megwo kept his nerve deep into added time to convert from the spot and secure all three points in a tightly contested encounter.

Kwara United continued their impressive home form in Ilorin with a comfortable 2–0 win against Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright opened the scoring before Ini Emmanuel sealed the result, ensuring a convincing outing for the Harmony Boys.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasinga, Shooting Stars edged Niger Tornadoes 2–1. Gbolagade Adelowo put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot late in the first half, while Promise Awosanmi doubled the lead in the 66th minute. Former U-23 Eagles forward Kufre Ebong pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time, but it proved insufficient to alter the outcome.

Former champions Rangers International also recorded a 2–1 home win over Ikorodu City at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Godwin Obaje and Christian Nwobodo gave the Flying Antelopes a commanding advantage before Rasheed Owolabi scored a late consolation for the visitors.

In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat settled for a goalless draw at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in a lively encounter that produced few clear-cut chances.

Other results saw El-Kanemi Warriors edge Enyimba 3–2 in a thrilling contest, while Kano Pillars defeated Plateau United 2–1 to cap an action-packed NPFL matchday.

Other NPFL today results;

• Shooting Stars 2–1 Niger Tornadoes

• Abia Warriors 1–0 Warri Wolves

• Wikki Tourists 0–0 Kun Khalifat

• Rangers 2–1 Ikorodu City

• Remo Stars 2–3 Bendel Insurance

• Kwara United 2–0 Bayelsa United

• El-Kanemi Warriors 3–2 Enyimba

• Kano Pillars 2–1 Plateau United