Matchday 14 of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL exploded with 23 goals with Plateau United striker Albert Hilary joining the exclusive list of hattrick scorers this season.
The number 7 shirted Hilary wrapped up his three goals in the 64th minute with an audacious chip over the opposing keeper to fire his side to a 5-1 win over visitors Bayelsa United today 17 December 2023 at the Jos New Township Stadium.
Hilary joins the exclusive list of hattrick scorers in the league alongside Bayelsa’s Robert Mizo on matchday 1 and Kano Pillars’ Yusuf Abdullahi in round 11.
The win vaulted Plateau to 4th in the standings with a game in hand while Bayelsa tumbled to the bottom, replacing Heartland FC who moved to 3rd from last on the back of a 1-0 home win over fellow strugglers Akwa United in 18th place.
New boys Doma United’s impressive ride in the competition hit a bumpy road as Lobi Stars beat the Savannah Tigers 2-1 to end their 9 game unbeaten streak and clean sheet.
The win meant Lobi replaced Doma in 2nd spot on 26 points, same as leaders Remo Stars, while Tigers dropped to 3rd with 25 points.
Elsewhere at the Awka Township stadium, two goals from Austin Onyemaechi and Kenechukwu Agu propelled Rangers International to a 2-0 home win over Sporting Lagos while Gombe United picked their first away point this season with a 1-1 draw against Sunshine Stars.
Another team who bagged their 1st point on the road is Niger Tornadoes who played out a 0-0 draw with Kwara United while Abia Warriors shot to 8th in the standings, courtesy of a 3-2 home win over Shooting Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Remo’s number one status survived this weekend despite slumping 1-2 away to Pillars with Ibrahim Mustapha and ageless Rabiu Ali scoring for Sai Masu Gida just as Dayo Ojo pulled one back for the visitors.
In the only game of yesterday Katsina United, on the back of a Chidiebere Ezeh’s 74th minute penalty strike, sank Bendel Insurance 1-0 to stay atop the bottom half of the table.
SOURCE: WORAMANGRA