The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, continues with the instalment of Matchday 8 across the different match centers in the country on Sunday Monday this week.
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We take a look at the highlights of the match days this week wrapped in the NPFL five things to know.
Finidi Shows Class
Finidi George is really showing he has really moved on after the brief stint as the Super Eagles coach. He led Rivers United to another away victory as Katsina United fell to River United 1-0 courtesy of Jackson Seiyefa’s goal at Bako Kontangora Stadium as River United stuck with their plan after finishing the match with 10 men.
Rivers United remained unbeaten in eight games and deservedly on top of the log.
Amuneke, Lobi Stars Stumble
While Finidi George is balling, the other two members of the 94 Super Eagles are still grappling with life in the NPFL..
Emmanuel Amuneke led Heartland FC to a 1-0 loss in Yenegoa at the Samson Siasia stadium, Daniel Amokachi lost in Lagos with Lobi Stars against Ikorodu City FC by 4-2.
Both ex international are still down in the relegation waters after Matchday 8 as they struggle to get needed results for their respective teams.
Ikorodu City FC Makes Goals In Lagos
Debutant, Ikorodu City FC are making goals in Lagos.
The Lagos based team defeated Lobi Stars 4-2 to make it seven goals in back to back games at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The Oga boys are gradually making Lagos a fortress after losing two games at the stadium due to lack of goals , the last two match days in Lagos have been raining goals for the home side.
The result means they will leave the bottom of the log for the first time this season, perhaps the team is in safe hands of Nurudeen Aweroro led technical crew as the change of guard in the team is really bringing change of fortunes for the team but the struggle to escape relegation continues for the team.
All Southwest Stars Shine Brightly
Unlike Matchday seven where all the Stars from Southwest Nigeria, lost their matches , they all bounce back from the aways defeat to victories in their respective home matches on Matchday 8.
Sunshine Stars, Shooting Stars and Remo Stars all grabbed a maximum of three points courtesy of 1-0 over Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance and Katsina United respectively.
Assurance’s Brace Wasn’t Not Enough
Assurance Ifeanyi of Lobi Stars was the only player to score more than one goal on Matchday 8.
The player led the charge for a Lobi Stars revival in Lagos after the team conceded two early goals in Lagos.
Assurance’s late double strikes in the first half gave Lobi Stars and assurance of getting a point in Lagos as the goals restored parity for Lobi Stars, 2-2 into the tunnel.
Unfortunately, the goals are not enough as Lobi left Lagos empty handed with Ikorodu City restored their two goals lead in the second half and won the 4-2.
Best Of The Rest
Kwara United picked a valuable on the road against Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors thumped plateau United as much 3-1 coming from a goal down while Rangers snatched a point in faraway Uyo against Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Rivers United race for the league trophy continues with matchday nine this weekend.
Matchday 8 Results At A Glance
Bayelsa United 1-0 Heartland FC
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Nasarawa FC
Kano Pillars 1-1 Kwara United
Abia Warriors 3-1 Plateau United
Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 Enyimba
Remo Stars 1-0 Bendel Insurance
Ikorodu City FC 4-2 Lobi Stars
Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Rivers United
Shooting Stars 1-0 Katsina FC
Akwa United 0-0 Rangers
