Sporting Lagos delivered the headline result of Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 9, overturning a deficit to beat Plateau United 3-2 in Jos and move into third place. Rangers International stayed at the summit despite not playing, although the teams behind them reduced the gap during a lively round that produced 19 goals from eight finished fixtures.
Aliyu Baba gave Sporting Lagos an early advantage in the 10th minute, but Plateau United responded through Victor Dawa, who scored in the 35th minute and again during added time before the interval. The visitors, known as the Tech Boys, fought back strongly after the break. Victor Samuel levelled in the 53rd minute, before Jacob Aondona struck the decisive goal seven minutes from time. Sporting Lagos now have 15 points, one fewer than second-placed Rivers United and two behind Rangers.
Nasarawa United also celebrated a notable result away from home, winning 2-0 against Inter Lagos. Kelechi Ogbodo broke the deadlock after 11 minutes and Ugochukwu Leonard added the second in the 40th. The win lifted Nasarawa to 14 points, while Inter Lagos remain bottom of the standings on two points after nine matches.
Kano Pillars returned to winning ways at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Yahaya Ibrahim’s sixth-minute effort secured a 1-0 result against Katsina United. Pillars moved onto 14 points after recovering from their 4-0 Matchday 8 loss to Plateau United, while Katsina stayed on 12 points.
Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2-1 home success over Ikorodu City in Minna. Nafiu Obalowu put the home side ahead in the 27th minute, and Bashir Musa extended the margin in the 82nd. Ikorodu’s Basit Ayinde scored in the third minute of stoppage time, but Tornadoes saw out the contest to join their opponents on 12 points.
Enyimba and Warri Wolves could not be separated in Aba, with their meeting ending without a goal. Warri Wolves, the Seasiders, had recorded a surprise victory at the same venue last season. Enyimba, also called the People’s Elephant, now have eight points, while Wolves moved to 11.
The match round had started on Friday as Shooting Stars defeated Ranchers Bees 3-1. Shooting Stars climbed to 11 points, leaving Ranchers Bees on eight. After the loss, Ranchers Bees confirmed a mutual agreement to end the tenure of head coach and technical adviser Usman Abd’Allah, whose nine-match spell brought two victories, two draws and five losses.
Both games played on Saturday finished 1-1. Kwara United drew with Abia Warriors after Ali Ferinyaro put Kwara ahead in the 34th minute, only for Emmanuel Nnaji to equalise in the 52nd. Kwara had an opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot in the 64th minute, but Muhammed Alao was unable to convert.
Doma United and Kun Khalifat also split the points after a 1-1 result. Doma advanced to 14 points, while Kun Khalifat reached nine.
Rangers lead the table with 17 points from eight games, just one point ahead of Rivers United. Rivers can still go above Rangers when their suspended fixture against Barau FC is completed. Heavy rainfall halted that match in the 77th minute, with neither side having scored.
