NPFL Roundup: Sporting Lagos win in another South-West Derby, Rangers continue title charge, Kwara United secure three points away from home

Soccernet.ng brings the major highlights of an action-packed matchday 30 in the 2023/2024 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Akwa United kicked off on a bright start, recording a 4-1 win over Niger Tornadoes despite going a man down. A hat trick from John Ubong Friday alongside an extra from Osoba Kabir put daylight between both teams. Clinton Jephta pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 88th minute, but it was only a consolation.

Bayelsa United played a 1-1 draw with Katsina United. Garando Tekena opened the scoring for Bayelsa before Andrew Idoko equalized for Katsina from the penalty spot.

Monday Odigie's return to the Bendel Insurance touchline sparked victory for the Benin faithful. Ibrahim Mustaph opened the scoring for Kano Pillars, but an inspired second half saw Sunday Anyanwu and Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi complete the comeback for Insurance. They're now level on points with today's opponent, with both of them recording 41 points in 30 games this term.

Rangers returned to winning ways in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors. They're now three points clear of Finidi Goerge's Enyimba international at the top of the NPFL table.

Ekene Awazie's first-half goal made all the difference for Enyimba at home against Heartland, while Kwara United secured a rare away win at the Isa Pantami Stadium, defeating Gombe United 2-1.

Plateau United were no match for Rivers United as Rivers avenged their midweek continental loss on the JIB strikers, defeating them 3-1. Despite the loss, Plateau United are just two points outside the NPFL top four places.

Sporting Lagos defeated Sunshine Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, courtesy of an early first-half strike by Paschal Durugbor.

Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Lobi Stars fell to defeat. Shooting Stars put two past them as they dropped their lead, and are now three points adrift of the top spot in the league.