NPFL: Shooting Stars thrash Abia as four clubs share top spot

Shooting Stars thrashed Abia Warriors 4-1 on Matchday 11 of the NPFL, while Rivers United, Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars finished the weekend level on 18 points.

Shooting Stars, also known as 3SC, moved up to ninth on 15 points. Abia Warriors stay 15th on 10 points.

Rivers United and Enugu Rangers drew 1-1 in the weekend's headline fixture, so neither could pull clear. Rangers' Godwin Obaje scored, according to the league's website.

Matchday 11 results: Bendel and Kano keep pace

Bendel Insurance won 2-1 away at Kwara United to join the leaders on 18 points. Kano Pillars beat Nasarawa United 2-0 to reach 18 points as well, leaving Nasarawa fifth on 17.

Katsina United beat Sporting Lagos 2-1, and Enyimba edged Kun Khalifat 1-0. Plateau United and Warri Wolves drew 1-1, Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees also finished 1-1, and Doma United drew 2-2 with Ikorodu City. On Friday, Niger Tornadoes and Barau played out a 0-0 draw.

Analysis: Rangers and Bendel hold the games in hand

On the NigFooty table, Rivers United have played 11 matches, Kano Pillars 11, Bendel Insurance 10 and Enugu Rangers nine. That leaves Rangers two games in hand on Rivers and Pillars and Bendel one, so both could go top with wins from their outstanding fixtures.

Rivers have the best goal difference at the top (+10), but the gap between first and eighth is only two points. Niger Tornadoes, Barau and Plateau United sit on 16, so one round could reshuffle the top eight again.

At the bottom, Doma United and Sporting Lagos are level on seven points. Inter Lagos have eight from 10 games.

Rangers' league form now shares the spotlight with their CAF Champions League exit to MC Alger, and Rivers United's league run is covered in our Matchday 11 preview. The next round is due later this week.