Two well-taken goals scored by former Under-23 star, Ndifreke Effiong, propelled 2021 champions, Akwa United of Uyo to a hugely deserving 3-0 thrashing of Nasarawa United, in Jos.
The encounter, at the new Jos Stadium, the adopted home ground of Nasarawa United, saw Ndifreke Effiong score his side’s
2nd and the 3rd goal of the match, the first installment of a double header, that kicked off at 2pm.
The comprehensive away victory for the Promise Keepers was their first, in the 2022/23 Abridged Nigeria Premier League Season, having lost 0-2 in Uyo to Insurance of Benin; before forcing eight time Champions, Enyimba International, to a goalless draw, in Aba, last weekend.
On the other hand, the defeat meant Nasarawa United have lost all three of its opening fixtures, and the pressure is surely now, on Coach Bala Nkiyu.
In Ibadan, Bendel Insurance of Benin further underlined their title credentials, by compounded the woes of Kwara United, who were edged 1-0 by Monday Odigie tutored side, and are still searching for their first 3 points of the season.
As it stands, promoted Bendel Insurance who had previously defeated Akwa United and Plateau United, are the only team with a 100% win record, with 9 points from 3 games.
Elsewhere in Umuahia, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi shocked Abia Warriors 1-0, right in front of their fans, at the Township Stadium.
The defeat, means Lobi Stars successfully ended the 100% record of Abia Warriors, going into the Day-3 encounter, on a ground that may have hosted its last game, due to the poor condition of the pitch.
Meanwhile, another promoted side, Doma FC recorded their first win of the season, by beating Dakkada FC of Uyo, by a lone goal, at the Pantami Stadium, in Gombe.
Wikki Tourist FC of Bauchi suffered yet another defeat, losing this time 1-2 in Yenagoa, to Bayelsa United aka Prosperity Boys, who picked their first 3 points of the campaign.
Enyimba of Aba were on the verge of running away with a point from Jos, but Plateau United had other ideas, as the rallied late to score the match winner, through Ogunleye Kazeem.
Olorunlekan Ọjọ was red carded in that encounter that ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
In a North East derby, played in far way Maiduguri, Gombe United forced
Elkanemi Warriors to a barren draw, meaning Gombe United have drawn both of their matches on the road, this season, while losing at home to Remo Stars on match Day 2.
NPFL MATCHDAY 3 RESULTS
Nassarawa United 0-3 Akwa United
Rangers Int’l 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Abia Warriors 0-1 Lobi Stars
Plateau United 2-1 Enyimba FC
El-Kanemi 0-0 Gombe United
Kwara United 0-1 Bendel Insurance
Bayelsa United 2-1 Wikki Tourists
Doma United 1-0 Dakkada FC
The thrills and ecstacy of NPFL this season, continues with reigning champions, Rivers United hosting in form Niger Tornadoes, in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday; whilst Remo Stars and Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, takes to the pitch in Ikene for the battle of Stars.
