In the top-of-the table clash between Bendel Insurance and Enyimba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday, Osarenkhoe Imade’s first-half strike sealed all three points for the home side.
The in-form striker’s effort in the 23rd minute was the difference as the Benin Arsenals won their seventh game of the season to remain unbeaten in Group A of the ongoing abridged league format.
The 22-year-old continued his excellent form in front of goal with six in nine games, just one behind Enyimba’s Chukwuemeka Obioma, who has seven.
The Monday Odigie-led team could have scored more goals in the first 45 minutes, but the People’s Elephants goalkeeper John Noble was on hand to deny Imade and his strike partner Ismael Sarki.
The win helps Bendel maintain their position at the top of Group A with 23 points, seven adrift of Enyimba in second.
Shooting Stars and Akwa United played out a four-goal thriller at the Lekan Salami Stadium as both sides could only settle for a 2-2 draw.
Joshua Akpan put the Oluyole Warriors ahead in the 15th minute, but a brilliant solo goal from Uche Collins—his third in four games—drew Akwa United level after five minutes. Liman Ahmadu completed the turnaround by tucking home a rebound from Cyril Olisema’s free kick.
Ibrahim Ajani drew the home team level in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time. The draw was Shooting’s fourth this season, and they remain sixth in Group A with ten points from nine games, while Akwa United move into third with 15 points.
In Group B, Lobi Stars extended their lead at the summit to four points with a 2-0 home win over Doma United.
The two-time league champions got their sixth win of the season thanks to two first-half goals; a penalty from Joseph Atule and a stunning strike from Abba Umar.
Sunshine Stars bounced back from their mid-week defeat to Dakkada Fc by edging Wikki Tourists by a lone goal at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Defender Samson Olasupo got the only goal of the game as the Owena Waves got their third win in four games. They are currently second on the Group B standings, two points ahead of Abia Warriors, who have a game in hand.
Dakkada, on the other hand, fell to the Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on a David Okoromi strike.
Bayelsa United remain bottom of Group B after a 1-1 draw with Rangers International at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Mizo Robert’s acrobatic goal for Bayelsa cancelled out Godwin Obaje’s sixth-minute opener.
On Thursday, Nasarawa United will welcome Remo Stars to the Jos International Stadium, while Plateau United will visit Gombe United in the remaining matchday 9 fixtures.
