Katsina United bounced back from defeat, Ranchers Bees survived a red card to see off Bendel Insurance, and Barau FC extended their unbeaten start on Saturday’s opening NPFL matchday four fixtures.
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Saturday’s opening fixtures of NPFL matchday four produced three contrasting storylines, with Katsina United, Ranchers Bees and Barau FC all making headlines.
Garba Delivers For Katsina United
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Abdulrahman Garba’s first-half goal proved decisive as Katsina United edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0, a timely response after their 3-0 defeat to Kwara United on matchday three. Garba, who was promoted from the club’s youth setup to the senior team in 2024, is quickly making a name for himself on the NPFL stage.
Ranchers Bees Survive A Red Card Scare
Ranchers Bees bounced back from their own matchday three defeat, a 3-1 loss to Barau FC, to beat Bendel Insurance 2-1. The Bees had to dig deep after being reduced to ten men in the 84th minute but held on for the win. Striker Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu, whose hat-trick earlier in the season turned heads, remains one of the standout individual stories of the young campaign.
Barau FC Stretch Their Unbeaten Run
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Ikorodu City and Barau FC played out a goalless draw, a result that extends the newly promoted side’s unbeaten run to four matches. Barau opened the season with a 3-1 win over Nasarawa United, followed it with a goalless draw against Kun Khalifat, beat Ranchers Bees 3-1, and have now returned from Lagos with another point.
Saturday’s Results
- Katsina United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
- Ranchers Bees 2-1 Bendel Insurance
- Ikorodu City 0-0 Barau FC
Seven More To Come
Seven further matchday four fixtures were scheduled for Sunday, headlined by Kano Pillars hosting league leaders Doma United, who arrived unbeaten and yet to concede a goal all season. Elsewhere, Enyimba hosted Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos faced Abia Warriors, Kun Khalifat welcomed Rangers International, Nasarawa United met Rivers United, Warri Wolves took on Kwara United, and Plateau United faced Shooting Stars.
