NPFL MD5: Shooting Stars, Kwara United smash three past Doma United, Sunshine Stars; Rangers overtake Lobi at the top

The 2023/24 Nigeria Professional Football League season entered its matchday five at the weekend.

Soccernet.ng captures some of the most exciting moments as seven teams claimed home wins.

At the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Shooting Stars bounced back from a goal deficit to beat Doma United 3-1.

Nelson Abiam put the visitors in front in the ninth minute through a delicious free-kick, but Gbolagade Adelowo equalised for 3SC from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.

A sensational run and finish from Ademola Ayinde then put the Oluyole Warriors in front shortly after the restart, and Gideon Monday made sure of the points for the home side in stoppage time.

The win sends Shooting Stars to joint top of the league with ten points from their first five matches.

Robert Christian Mizo was the hero for Bayelsa United as they claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Kwara United.

Mizo gave fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa a lot to cheer in the 11th minute when he converted the game’s opening goal.

However, only eight minutes later, Samuel Ayanrinde got the equaliser for the visitors.

But Mizo had the final say as he completed his brace, netting his fifth goal of the campaign to seal all three points for the Bayelsans.

Lobi Stars suffered their first defeat as they stumbled to a slim 1-0 loss at Rivers United.

Alex Oyowah’s 42nd-minute strike was all the Pride of Rivers needed to send their guests out of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt and back to Makurdi empty-handed.

Newly-promoted Heartland remain without a win as the Naze Millionaires fell to a 1-0 defeat at Abia Warriors.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Sunshine Stars twice took the lead but ultimately lost 3-2 to Katsina United.

Exciting youngster Michael Olulasi struck twice in the opening half, sandwiching Michael Ibe’s effort for the homers.

However, Bello Lukman took the game by the scruff of the neck after the break, grabbing a double to hand Katsina United a fine victory.

On Saturday, Bendel Insurance and Akwa United battled to a goalless draw, while Gombe United edged past Plateau United by the narrowest of margins.

At the Awka City Stadium, Enugu Rangers strolled to a commanding 4-1 victory over Kano Pillars to climb to the top of the league table.

The match between Enyimba and Remo Stars was postponed because of the Aba Elephants’ failed continental assignment.