NPL’s Super 6 Down to the Wire as Teams Maintain Status quo

Femi Solaja

After all the six teams in the Nigeria Premier League Championship Super 6 playoffs failed to record any win in the Match-day 3 games yesterday, status quo was maintained going into the last two match days.

Front runners Enyimba FC and now draw specialists Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin drew 1-1 in the opening game of the third match day of the playoffs at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The results was Bendel Insurance’s 21-unbeaten run this season. 

Enyimba had taken the lead in the 22 minutes of play with Sadiq Abubakar who shot from about 25 yards to put his side in front.

The Benin Arsenals came from behind in a spectacular fashion to cancel out Abubakar’s  22 minutes goal. Midfielder Divine Nwachukwu’s classy header in the 36th minute of of the high tempo game restored parity for the Benin landlords. Nwachukwu’s  goal against Enyimba FC was his second in their last two matches of the Super Six and his third goal of the season.

Both teams had met twice in the regular season with Insurance beating the former continental champions in Benin 1-0 and getting a 1-1 draw in the reversed fixture in Aba.

For Bendel Insurance who have maintained invincibility since the abridged format to now in this round-robin format of deciding champion of the season, the Benin Arsenal will need to beat their next opponents Rivers Utd on Friday to remain in contention for the title and ticket to continental football. 

Kick off time for the Friday game is 2:00pm.

Defending champions Rivers United also played a goalless draw with Lobi Stars to remain on same five points as Enyimba.

Remo Stars of Ikenne were perhaps the most unfortunate not to get a result in the Match-day 3 fixtures. The Kunle Soname financed boys failed to take advantage of an early goal and dominant play to win the South West derby with Sunshine Stars of Akure.

RESULTS 

B’Insurance 1-1 Enyimba 

Remo Stars 1-1 Sunshine 

Lobi Stars  0-0 Rivers Utd 

How They Stand (After Match-day 3)

Team.           P.  W.  D.  L.  GF.  GA. GD. PT

Enyimba.      3.   1.    2.  0.   4.     3.     1.   5

Rivers Utd.   3.   1.    2.  0.   3.     2.    +1.   5

Remo Stars. 3.  0.   3.  0.   5.     5.      0.   3

B’Insurance. 3.   0.   3.  0.  2.      2.     0.   3

Sunshine        3.  0.   2.   1.   2.     3.     -1.  2

Lobi Stars.     3.  0.   2.   1.    0.    1.    -1.    2