Bendel Insurance pipped Enyimba 1-0 to end the first round as Group A halfway champions while Lobi Stars beat Doma United through two early goals to finish as the best in Group B in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2023 season.
The Benin Arsenal got the only goal through Imade Osarenkhoe who notched his sixth goal of the season at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. He is a goal behind leading scorer, Chukwuemeka Obioma who is on seven goals.
The crucial win meant Insurance stood tall in Group A with 23 points from nine games. They are seven points better than second-placed Enyimba who will host them in Aba at the start of the second round.
In another Group A tie, Shooting Stars were forced to a 2-2 draw in Ibadan by visiting Akwa United.
In Group B, Lobi Stars continued their impressive record with another home win against newly promoted Doma United. Joseph Atule scored his fourth goal of the season for the Pride of Benue’s opener in the seventh minute while Abba Umar bagged the second two minutes later with another sublime 25-yard strike.
Lobi Stars are still dictating the pace in the group with 19 points while Doma United fell to the sixth spot with 12 points.
Bayelsa United were yet again held to a home draw by Rangers International who secured their second away point of the season in the process.
Niger Tornadoes pipped Dakkada 1-0 with David Okoromi doing the scoring again for the Ikon Allah Boys after 42 minutes. Tornadoes finished the first stanza with 12 points but the Chosen Ones are in the ninth spot with seven points.
Sunshine Stars are in the second spot with 15 points after a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists.
NPFL RESULTS
Bendel 1-0 Enyimba
3SC 2-2 Akwa United
Bayelsa 1-1 Rangers
Lobi 2-0 Doma
Tornadoes 1-0 Dakkada
Sunshine 1-0Wikki