Nasarawa United produced an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Plateau United 3-1, while Bendel Insurance secured a dramatic late victory over Niger Tornadoes in Sunday’s EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 fixtures.
The Matchday 12 encounters delivered several exciting results across the country, with Rangers International, Barau FC and Ranchers Bees also recording important victories, while Warri Wolves were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Katsina United.
Nasarawa United Stage Comeback Against Plateau United
Nasarawa United recorded the biggest victory of Sunday’s fixtures after coming from behind to defeat Plateau United 3-1.
Plateau United took the lead in the 11th minute through Nenrot Silas and went into the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
However, the hosts responded strongly after the restart, with Alao Danbani scoring twice in quick succession in the 63rd and 67th minutes to turn the contest around.
Plateau United’s hopes of recovering from the setback suffered another blow in the 77th minute when Sabbath Mancha was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Jofrank Istifanus completed the victory for Nasarawa United with an 87th-minute goal, sealing an important three points for the home side.
Bendel Insurance Snatch Dramatic Late Victory
Bendel Insurance secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Niger Tornadoes in one of the day’s most dramatic encounters.
Niger Tornadoes initially took the lead in the 36th minute after Aliyu Mohammed converted from the penalty spot.
Bendel Insurance fought back, with Jonathan James restoring parity for the hosts.
The contest appeared to be heading for a draw until John Taiwo struck in the 90th+5 minute to hand Bendel Insurance a dramatic victory.
Niger Tornadoes defender Sunday Akinmoladun was also sent off in stoppage time for a professional foul, adding to the visitors’ disappointment.
Rangers Edge Kwara United
Rangers International continued their impressive campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United.
Victor Chimezie scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute to secure maximum points for the Flying Antelopes.
The victory strengthens Rangers’ position in the NPFL standings as the competition intensifies.
Abia Warriors Held by Doma United
Abia Warriors and Doma United shared four goals in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Doma United made a bright start, with Tijani Azeez opening the scoring in the fifth minute.
Emeka Obioma restored parity for Abia Warriors in the 37th minute before giving the hosts the lead with his second goal in the 79th minute.
However, Samuel Akpan scored in the 69th minute to ensure Doma United claimed a valuable away point.
Barau FC Beat Shooting Stars
Barau FC recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars in another Matchday 12 encounter.
The decisive moment came in the ninth minute when an own goal by Olakunle Akala handed Barau FC the advantage.
Despite efforts by Shooting Stars to find an equaliser, Barau held on to secure all three points.
Ranchers Bees Defeat Enyimba
Ranchers Bees claimed an important 1-0 victory over former champions Enyimba.
Chiedozie Jude Okorie scored the only goal of the encounter in the 42nd minute, giving the hosts a crucial victory against the People’s Elephant.
Warri Wolves Drop Points at Home
Warri Wolves were unable to maximise their home advantage after playing out a 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
The visitors took the lead in the 28th minute through Luis Dadong before Sebastien Uche equalised for the Seasiders in the 72nd minute.
Despite their efforts to find a winner, Warri Wolves had to settle for a share of the points.
Kun Khalifat and Kano Pillars Share Points
Kun Khalifat FC and Kano Pillars also played out a 1-1 draw.
Kano Pillars appeared on course for an away victory after Sikiru Alimi scored in the 74th minute.
However, Ebuka Okoro rescued a point for Kun Khalifat with a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser.
Remaining NPFL Matchday 12 Fixtures
The Matchday 12 programme will continue on Monday, November 9, when Ikorodu City host Inter Lagos.
Sporting Lagos are scheduled to face Rivers United on Wednesday, November 18, in a rescheduled fixture.
Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 12 Results
Kun Khalifat FC 1-1 Kano Pillars
Rangers International 1-0 Kwara United
Abia Warriors 2-2 Doma United
Barau FC 1-0 Shooting Stars
Ranchers Bees 1-0 Enyimba
Warri Wolves 1-1 Katsina United
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Nasarawa United 3-1 Plateau United
Upcoming fixtures:
Monday, November 9: Ikorodu City vs Inter Lagos
Wednesday, November 18: Sporting Lagos vs Rivers United
