Deputy Echeta’s 28th minute goal was enough for Nigeria Professional Football League newcomers Bendel Insurance who continued their impressive start to the season with a 1-0 win over El Kanemi Warrior in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

It is the fifth consecutive win for the Benin Arsenal in the first five games played this season and third straight win away from home. With the victory, Insurance maintained their position on top of Group A of the abridged league, three points ahead of Remo Stars. Insurance’s next test will be against Gombe United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers United consolidated their position on the Group B log with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wikki Tourist.  

Rivers went in front in the 25th minute courtesy of a 30-yard free kick from Ebube Duru which beat Wikki’s goalie Galadima Mohammad. The visitors proved to be no threat for the hosts who doubled through Duru who converted a penalty in the 64th minute to make the score 2-0. It is the fourth win in five games for Rivers United while Wikki are yet to record their first win of the season. They’ve lost four out of five games and drawn one. 

After their disappointing 3-0 loss to Group A leaders Bendel Insurance last Saturday, Remo Stars returned to winning ways, recording a 1-0 win over Enyimba International in Ikenne. Samuel Anakwe scored what proved to be the winner in the first minute of the game. The hosts held on for the win – their fourth of the season to stay three points adrift of Insurance despite intense pressure from the visitors. 

In other results, Kwara United and Enugu rangers recorded their first win of the season after five games. Kwara pipped Akwa United 2-1 in Ibadan. Wasiu Alalade scored the opener in the 14th minute while scoring the equaliser in the 69th minute. Ahmed Jimoh grabbed the winner for the Afonja Warriors in the 88th minute. Ranger’s first win of the season came courtesy of Hadu Mohammed’s 30th minute goal against Dakkada.

Plateau United beat Nasarawa United away from home 2-1. Gombe United also beat Shooting Stars 2-1 while the game between Tobi Stars and Sunshine Stars ended 1-0 in favour of the Makurdi based side. 

Abia Warriors beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 while Bayelsa United and Doma united settled for a 1-1 draw.