The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Super Six playoffs kicked off last Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos State. In the championship round, the six teams will play each other once to determine the eventual winners of the 2022/23 league season. All six teams were in action on match day 1, but at different kick-off times.
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How are things after matchday 1 of the #NPFL23Super6#NPFL23 pic.twitter.com/4WgaRef14Q
— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) June 3, 2023
The defending NPFL champions, united rivers, lived up to the hype in the first round, enjoying the best start to the playoffs. They were the only team to earn maximum points on opening day by defeating the Sunshine Stars.
The other two results ended in a draw; Enyimba drew 2-2 with Remo Stars while Bendel Insurance drew 0-0 with Lobi Stars. The result meant Rivers United topped the table, only five goals were scored and Bendel Insurance continued their unbeaten run of 19 games, creating a new Nigerian football record.
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Enyimba vs. Remo Stars
Enyimba and Remo Stars was the great opening match of the Super Six at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
FT : An energetic accessory ends up in the balance
| 2-2 |#EnyRem #NPFL23Super6
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) June 3, 2023
The first half began with Enyimba in charge and had to take the lead when Fatai’s shot hit the crossbar in the opening 15 minutes. But Remo Stars grew in the game and became the best full-back, missing two great chances to have gone 2-0 before the break.
In the second half, against the rhythm of the game, Enyimba took the lead through Eriugo, who after looking to waste his chance, maintained his composure, with his left foot, piercing the net on 60′.
“I’m happy I finally scored my first NPFL goal because that’s been my prayer… I wish we would have won the game because that would have made it more special for me.”https://t.co/4TmpAeKUR9
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) June 5, 2023
Remo Stars manager Ogunmodede, disappointed by the way his team were behind but played better, responded by bringing in former NPFL goalscorer Junior Lokosa who within minutes of action netted the equalizer at home after a decent ball. in the face of the goal in the 77th minute.
With both teams chasing the winner, Mbaoma was brought down in the box as he ran down to score. Obioma scored the ensuing penalty to give Enyimba the lead in the 81st minute.
Enyimba 2-2 Rowing Stars; A sensational four-goal match🍿
📺 SEE FULL: https://t.co/sTwt77os9Y#NPFL23Super6 | #SomosRemoEstrellas pic.twitter.com/eCgQzP43Dt
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) June 4, 2023
However, there was still drama in the game, as Enyimba’s lack of concentration in added time ensured Remo Stars equalized at 90+3 minutes to earn a deserved equaliser.
Sunshine Stars vs Rios Unidos
There was little to nothing in the first half, except Sochima Victor, the Rivers United goalkeeper, made a great save to deny Sunshine Stars, and Nyima Nwagua’s play brought in the Sunshine Stars keeper as the first half was winding down.
Last time at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the
⚽ @EbubeDuru 64′ (pen)#SUNRIV#NPFL23Championshipplayoff pic.twitter.com/k11BWjYowf
— Rios Unidos FC (@RiversUnitedFC) June 5, 2023
In the second half, Rivers United drew first blood in the 64th minute when Gibson was tripped in the box. Chidiebube Duru scored from the penalty area.
Both sides tried to get more goals in the game but neither did. It ended 1-0 to Rivers United.
Sure Bendel vs. Lobi Stars
Bendel Insurance and Lobi Stars drew 0-0 in a match in which neither showed enough firepower to score.
Imade Osarenkhoe had a decent chance to score in the first 10 minutes of the game, but his feeble shot went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Lobi Stars. Other opportunities went smoothly for the Benin City side.
Full time!
SURE BENDEL 0-0 LOBI STARS#BENLOB#NPFLSuper6
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) June 3, 2023
The Lobi Stars themselves had a chance to score in the 41st minute after they broke through from the left flank and sent a cross into the box that came off the head of their player, but Amas Obasogie deflected it wide for a corner.
Both teams made changes in the second half. However, neither team created enough chances to score in the second half as the game went into the 90th minute.
In added time, Bendel Insurance should have won a penalty after their player was fouled while running into the box, but the referee signaled for play to continue. A decision that did not impress the part of Bendel Insurance. It ended 0-0.
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) June 4, 2023
Bendel Insurance’s unbeaten run continues, however Odigie should be concerned about Insurance’s scoring drought if he is to significantly challenge his title aspirations and his goal of qualifying for CAF competitions next season.
This article was last reviewed and updated 3 hours ago
