NPFL: Lobi edge Rivers in Jos thriller

Lobi Stars maintained top spot in Group B of the abridged 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League following a nervy 3-2 win over 10-man Rivers United in a rescheduled match-day 11 tie in Jos on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After a goalless first half which saw goalkeeper Victor Sochima sent off for the visitors, the second forty-five minutes produced five goals with the defending champions clawing the hosts until the final minutes.

Farouk Mohammed opened the scoring for Rivers United from a free kick in the 63rd minute before Abba Umar restored parity for Lobi Stars almost immediately with his sixth goal of the season.

With just four minutes left before stoppage time, there was still more time for drama as Wasiu Alalade scored for the hosts to give them the lead for the first time in the game while Nyima Nwagua drew the visitors level in the 90th minute.

Elijah Ani sealed victory for Lobi Stars with a header in additional time of the encounter.

Lobi Stars now sit comfortably on the Group B table with 26 points from 13 games while Rivers United who have a game in hand are second with 20 points from 12 matches.