NPFL 2023/24: Lobi Stars With Another Away Draw, As First Away Win of Season Remains Elusive

October, 15 2023.

Lobi Stars of Makurdi extended its unbeaten start to the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with another draw, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, when holding Katsina United to a goalless draw on Saturday.

The draw is the second on the trot for Lobi Stars on their travels, having blew a 2-0 lead on Day-1 to settle for a 2-2 draw with Heartland FC of Owerri, at the Dan Ànyiam Stadium.

Promoted Heartland FC, aka the Nazi Millionaires, also produced the second draw of the campaign, while holding Sunshine Stars to 1-1 draw, in Akure.

Michael Olalusi's 42nd minute opener from 12 yards, gave the Akure Gunners the lead, but a very patient Heartland side drew level through Patrick Nwogbaga, who netted with the visitors' first effort on target, 25 minutes from time.

The only win of the first installment of matches for Day-3 came from the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Benjamin Tainimu put Insurance ahead from the penalty spot, in the 15th minute against a battling Plateau United side.

The Jos-based side, failed to get an equalizer despite having a better of the exchanges with as many as four shots on target, while the Benin Arsenal could only land two shots.

Having lost to Shooting Stars Sports (3SC) Club in Ibadan on Day-1, it was their second straight defeat on their travels. But they will take solace in their defeat of Heartland FC at the new Stadium, at Zaria Road, going into match-day four.

The elusive search for the first road win of the season continues on Sunday with seven (7) mouthwatering fixtures, including the high profile duel in Aba, between two underwhelming sides, Enyimba FC of Aba and Akwa United of Uyo!

Both teams are precariously perched at the lower rung of the NFPL table, with the champions, Enyimba actually hogging the foot of the table, after their improbable 2-0 defeat, at the Pantami Stadium, to Doma United FC of Gombe, on Day-2.

Interestingly, a former Head Coach of the Aba People's Elephant, Fatai Osho is now the handler of the Promise Keepers, 2021 Champions and he has as well had a difficult start of the season, after jumping the ship of Rivers United, even before the season ended.

Akwa United lost 3-5 to Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, and were held goalless in Uyo by new boys, Sporting FC, the only other side, aside Lobi Stars that has yet to lose this season.

In other games fixed for Sunday, Sporting FC will host Doma United FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, in Onikan Lagos. Gombe United are already in Ibadan for the clash against Gbenga Ogunbote's 3SC, whilst Rivers United looks to build on their midweek success over Remo Stars, when hosting Kwara United at the Adokieye Amasiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Fidelis Ilechukwu and his rejuvenated Enugu Rangers side will slug it out with Niger Tornadoes, at the Awka City Stadium. It's Bayelsa versus Remo Stars of Ikenne in Yenagoa and Abia Warriors will host Kano Pillars in Umuahia.

According to the management of the NPFL, all the games are to kick-off simultaneously at 4pm www.ckdmedia.ng reports.