Bendel Insurance maintained their unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League season by playing out a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Osarenkhoe Imade opened the scoring with an early goal in the 1st minute, as his low shot beat goalkeeper Okechukwu Johnson. The goal was his fifth of the season, tying him with Enyimba’s Chukwuemeka Obioma.
Ismael Sarki added the second, but Malomo Ayodeji pulled one back for the host just before the halftime break, while Opeoluwa Olufemi levelled parity in the 69th minute.
In Ikene, Remo Stars dropped points for the first time at home this season, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Plateau United.
Segun Olalere put the hosts ahead by reacting quickest to tap home from a freekick, while Ibrahim Mustapha drew Plateau level before the hour mark.
Enyimba moved into second place in Group A following a 2-1 comeback win over Gombe United at the Gombe Township Stadium.
Yusuf Taiye rewarded the host’s dominance early on with a goal in the 12th minute before Elijah Akanni drew the Peoples’ Elephants level in the 35th minute with a stunning freekick
Obioma completed the comeback in the 53rd minute with a sublime long-way strike.
In Group B, Lobi Stars recorded their fifth win of the season by defeating Dakkada FC 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium.
Joseph Atule and Kumaga Suur put the hosts ahead before Adewale Lasisi got a consolation goal for the away side.
Enugu Rangers got back to winning ways with a lone goal victory over newly-promoted Doma United. A penalty kick from Chidera Ezeh helped the seven-time champions record their second win of the season.
Two first half goals from Udom Ekerette and Samson Olasupo helped Sunshine Stars seal a 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes for their third win of the season.
The postponed game between Bayelsa United and Rivers United will be played on February 22, due to the latter’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend, where they lost 3-0 to Diables Noir.
Other Results
Nasarawa United 2 – 0 Kwara United
Abia Warriors 1 – 1 Wikki Tourists
El-Kanemi Warriors 1 – 1 Akwa United
