Kano Pillars ended Doma United’s unbeaten start to the season with an emphatic 4-1 victory, while Inter Lagos secured a famous away win over Enyimba in a dramatic weekend of NPFL action.
There were goals across the country as clubs battled for crucial early-season points. Doma United remained top of the table despite their heavy defeat, while Kano Pillars climbed to third after an impressive display at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Kano Pillars shine as Inter Lagos make history
Both Kano Pillars and Doma United arrived at the Sani Abacha Stadium unbeaten, but the hosts proved too strong in front of a passionate home crowd.
Abdullahi Musa opened the scoring in the 19th minute when he diverted a free-kick into the net. Rabiu Ali doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a composed finish after a slick team move, just three minutes after missing a penalty.
Doma United responded early in the second half as Sadiq Rilwan headed home from a corner in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit.
However, Kano Pillars regained control. Ahmed Musa made it 3-1 in the 77th minute with an intelligent finish inside the box before Nasiru Salihu wrapped up the victory with a powerful late strike for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side.
Despite the defeat, Doma United remain top of the NPFL table with nine points. Kano Pillars move up to third with seven points.
Lagos clubs experienced contrasting fortunes on Sunday. Sporting Lagos suffered a surprise 2-0 home defeat, while Inter Lagos claimed a memorable 1-0 victory over Enyimba in Aba to earn their first points in the top flight.
Sporting Lagos entered the match full of confidence after winning the first Lagos derby of the season. The Tech Boys controlled long periods of the contest at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena but failed to convert their chances.
Imama Amapakabo’s side stayed organised in defence and struck twice in the closing stages. Ettah Ikoi and Emeka Obioma scored late goals to hand the Warriors their first win of the campaign.
At the Enyimba Stadium, Inter Lagos produced one of the biggest results of the round. Moses Ezekiel scored the only goal midway through the game as the Lagos side defeated the nine-time champions.
The result gave Inter Lagos their first points in their debut NPFL season and marked a memorable moment in the club’s history.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars fell to a 3-1 defeat against Plateau United in Jos. Taheer Abubakar gave the Oluyole Warriors the lead before second-half goals from Jibril Ibrahim, Seiyefa Jackson and Gideon Monday turned the game around.
Nasarawa United and Rivers United shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Lafia City Stadium. Harrison Ebah’s own goal put Rivers United ahead before Musa Yakubu converted a late penalty to rescue a point for the hosts.
Warri Wolves secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Ozoro thanks to an early goal from Ejike Ezekiel.
In the Oriental Derby in Owerri, defending champions Rangers International beat Kun Khalifat 4-2 in an entertaining encounter. Temitope Folarin, Waheed Adebayo and Chimbi Igwilo, who scored twice, found the net for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.
Preye Seikorowei and Ayuba Umar scored for the hosts, but Rangers had already done enough to secure all three points.
Earlier on Saturday, Ikorodu City were held to a goalless draw at home, while Ranchers Bees defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 to continue their solid start to the season.
