Bendel Insurance are still the team to beat as the 2022/23 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) enters the home run. The Benin Arsenal are the only unbeaten team in the 14-week-old abridged league, which champion would be decided by a Super Six play-off at the end of the group games.
Playing in Group A, Insurance have won seven games and drawn seven, scoring 18 goals and conceding eight in the process to lead the table with 28 points. They are closely followed by Enyimba and Akwa United, who are on 24 and 23 points respectively, while Plateau United are fourth with 21 points.
Enyimba have won seven games, lost four and drawn three with a goals difference of +7, while Akwa United have six wins, five draws and four losses with a +6 goals difference.
Plateau United have won six games, drawn three and lost five matches to stand on the fourth spot with 21 points. Remo Stars, who were ducked three points and three goals as punishment for their fans’ unruly behaviour during a league game, are still within reach of the top four. They are fifth on 20 points, having won six games, drawn five and lost three with a goals difference of -2.
In the drop zone are Kwara United, Nasarawa United and El Kanemi Warriors, who are eighth, ninth and 10th on 13, 10 and nine points respectively.
Group B leaders, Lobi Stars, have 26 points from 14 matches, of which they won eight, drew two and lost four. They are closely followed by Rivers United, who have played a game less. The Port Harcourt team have 23 points from six wins, five draws and two defeats.
New comers, Doma United are third with 22 points from 14 games, six of which are wins, with four draws and four defeats. They are followed by Abia Warriors, who have 21 points from six wins, three draws and five defeats. The Umuahia-based team have scored 17 goals and conceded 17, leaving them with a zero goals difference.
Teams in danger of being relegated to the lower division from Group B are Enugu Rangers, Dakkada FC and Wikki Tourists. Rangers, who have never been relegated in the history of Nigerian football, and Dakkada FC, have 15 points each from 14 matches, but the Enugu side have a better goals difference of -3 to Dakkada’s -8. Wikki Tourists are on nine points from three wins, three draws and eight losses, with a –11 goals difference.
Matches of the NPFL continue this weekend with Enyimba hosting Remo Stars in Aba on Sunday in Group A. Group leaders, Insurance will host El Kanemi Warriors, Plateau are up against Nasarawa United in Jos, Akwa United will entertain Kwara United in Uyo, while Shooting Stars and Gombe United will meet in Ibadan.
In Group B, Doma United will meet Bayelsa United in Gombe, Wikki Tourists will entertain Rivers United, Dakkada FC will play against Rangers in Uyo, Niger Tornadoes and Abia Warriors meet in Kaduna, while Sunshine Stars will tango with Lobi in Akure.
