The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) kicked off its 2024 season in dramatic fashion on Saturday, with Bendel Insurance and Doma United securing emphatic home victories.
Both teams displayed stellar performances, solidifying their positions in the league table and setting the tone for a thrilling campaign ahead, Footballrover reports
Bendel Insurance Soars Past Enugu Rangers
The Benin Arsenals started their year with a bang, defeating the highly-rated Rangers International of Enugu 2-0.
The match, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, saw the Arsenals display a resolute defensive strategy that neutralised the “Flying Antelopes” potent attack.
Osaghae Jr. opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance in the 14th minute, capitalising on a free-kick cross from Paul Obata to head the ball past a bewildered Rangers defense.
Sarki Ismael sealed the victory for the Benin side in the 63rd minute, taking advantage of a reckless error by Rangers goalkeeper Detan Ogundare to calmly slot the ball home.
Despite Rangers’ relentless pressure after falling behind, Bendel Insurance’s organized defense, marshalled by Amas Obasogie, Sunday Anyanwu, and Tanimu Benjamin, proved impenetrable.
The victory propelled Bendel Insurance to 27 points in the league table, setting them up for a crucial away clash against Bayelsa United next weekend.
Doma United Reclaims Top Spot with Dominant Display
Meanwhile, in Gombe, Doma United roared back to the top of the NPFL table after registering a convincing 2-0 victory over Katsina United.
It's always important to start the year with a positive vibes and guess what it paid off Thank you Jesus Christ for giving us the required 3points to start off the year. congratulations to All @domaunitedfc fans happy New year ????????????????????????????????
Never say die pic.twitter.com/9KzmfbIjIY— osayi kingdom (@OsayiKingdom) January 6, 2024
The Savannah Tigers wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Bidemi Owoku putting them ahead within two minutes of kickoff after a well-worked move involving Sani Suleiman, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, and Samuel Enefiok.
Doma United’s onslaught continued in the 8th minute, with Andrew Majalisa sending a low cross to Enefiok, who coolly slotted the ball past the Katsina goalkeeper to extend their lead.
Owoku had several opportunities to further extend the lead, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
Happy New Year, Tigers! We hope you enjoyed that performance against Katsina United ???????? pic.twitter.com/HYT3Rbij4U
— Doma United FC, Gombe ???? (@domaunitedfc) January 7, 2024
Despite Katsina United enjoying more possession in the second half, they failed to breach Doma’s resolute defense.
The victory saw Doma United reclaim the top spot in the league, sending a strong message to their rivals.
A Thrilling Season Ahead
The thrilling NPFL season was set in motion by the first-day triumphs of Bendel Insurance and Doma United.
The race for the NPFL title looks to be fiercely contested because a number of other teams have strong squads and tactical acumen.
Football fans can anticipate an exciting year full of thrilling games, surprising turns, and unforgettable outcomes.
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