There were away victories for Enyimba, Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes all on Sunday as the Nigeria Premier Football League resumed with a full set of fixtures.
Rivers United, in former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George’s first competitive match in charge, secured a draw at Bendel Insurance.
Finidi’s former club Enyimba got a big away win at neighbours Heartland, who were playing their first official match under the guidance of former Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Amuneke.
Suraj Lawal opened scoring for the hosts eight minutes into the second half, but Enyimba responded with a brace from Clinton Jephta and another strike from
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele to earn all three points for head coach Yemi Daniel, Finidi’s former assistant.
Last season’s runners-up Remo Stars secured a 2-0 away win at Abia Warriors, with Super Eagles right-back Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun netting in the second half.
The biggest surprise result of the matchday is Niger Tornadoes’ 2-1 victory over Kwara United in Ilorin.
Godwin Joseph struck in the 32nd minute to give the visitors the lead and Sabiu Ibrahim made it 2-0 in the 69th minute.
Kwara United pulled one back in added time through Sadeeq Yusuf but it was too little, too late.
In Benin, Rivers United earned a 0-0 draw with Bendel Insurance, while Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) scored in stoppage time to hold their hosts Nasarawa United 1-1.
Anas Yusuf put Nasarawa United in front from the penalty spot just before the hour mark, but Samuel Ayanrinde equalised in added time to grab a point for the Oluyole Warriors.
There were big home wins for Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars, who thrashed Bayelsa United and newcomers Ikorodu City 3-0 respectively, while Plateau United pipped Katsina United 1-0.
Champions Enugu Rangers were held to a 0-0 draw at home by El-Kanemi Warriors last weekend in the opening match of the season.
Also read: Kano Pillars unveil 12 new players for NPFL campaign
NPFL RESULTS
Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa Utd
Nasarawa United 1-1 3SC
Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
Kwara United 1-2 Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
