Lobi Stars stun Katsina United 2-0 to regain top spot

• …As Rangers record back-to-back away victories

Lobi Stars stormed back to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a convincing 2-0 defeat of Katsina United in the Week 23 match played yesterday at the Lafia Township Stadium.

After a stalemated first half, the hosts who had surrendered their leadership of the table after the week 22 loss to Sunshine Stars in Akure opened the scoring in the 71st minute when John Victor Ekiote scored his first goal of the season.

Alao Danbani who is on loan from 3SC doubled Lobi Stars lead in the 83rd minute as the ‘ Pride of Benue’ pocketed the maximum points to return to the top of the NPFL table.

However, Lobi Stars reign may be short-lived, if Enyimba win today against Akwa United in Uyo.

In another week 23 match played yesterday, Rangers stunned Niger Tornadoes 2-0 in Kaduna to record back-to-back away victories.

The Coach Fidelis Illechukwu tutored side had defeated Doma United 1-0 in their week 21 fixture at the Pantami Stadium.

Against relegation-threatened Tornadoes, Chidiebere Nwobodo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 22nd minute and three minutes later, Godwin Obaje doubled the lead for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to take home the three points.

In Jos, Plateau United also recorded a 2-0 win over visiting Bendel Insurance with Alexander Enejo and Daniel Barnabas scoring a goal each in the second half for the crucial home win.

Plateau United are now second on the table with 41 points but may drop lower once Remo Stars play their outstanding match.

At the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Heartland who are neck-deep in relegation forced Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw.

After they scored the two goals in the first 10 minutes of the match, there was nothing more to separate the two sides.

Meanwhile, week 23 matches will continue today as Doma United host sporting FC Lagos in Gombe, Enyimba visit Akwa United, Kano Pillars host Abia Warriors while Gombe United battle 3SC tomorrow at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.