Newly-promoted Remo Stars kept their third straight shut out of the 2021-22 Nigeria Professional Football League season after they battled to a 0-0 draw with Nasarawa United at their Ikenne home ground in a matchday 3 encounter on Wednesday.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s side had won their first two games back in the top flight without conceding a goal and despite shutting out their opponents again, failed to pick up all three points for the first time this campaign.

Despite dropping points for the first time this campaign, Remo still lead the standings on seven points while Nasarawa drop to ninth after suffering a second defeat of the season.

Elsewhere, new Enyimba boss Finidi George lost for the first time as coach of the Peoples Elephant after his side were edged 1-0 by Rivers United in Aba.

Forward Rafiu Kayode Isahq scored for the third game running to hand Stanley Eguma’s side all three points, taking his tally for the season to four goals and inflicting a first loss on George in six games in the process.

Victory sees Rivers United, who are still unbeaten this campaign, keep pace at the top of the table with seven points level with Remo Stars and Akwa United while Enyimba are fifth with six points.

Akwa United needed a late penalty to subdue visiting Gombe United in Uyo, with Friday Ubong dispatching an 81st-minute spot-kick to leave the 17th-placed visitors still in search of a win this season.

Heartland earned their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Dakkada FC in Owerri to climb to eighth on the log while their opponents dropped to 14th after a second loss in three games.

Ebuka Anaekwe’s unfortunate 55th-minute own goal saw sixth-placed Kwara United edge visiting 11th-placed Wikki Tourist in Ilorin while Lobi Stars recovered from a goal down to overcome new boys Shooting Stars 2-1 in Makurdi.

Mohamed Akilu put the visitors in front five minutes before half-time before Olamilekan Adams and Ifeanyi Ogba responded for the hosts after the break for their first win of the campaign. The win lifts Lobi to fifth on the table while Shooting Stars are 16th and without a win since their return to the topflight.

It ended goalless between Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers in Ilorin, a result that leaves the hosts mired in relegation waters in 18th-place while the Flying Antelopes are up to seventh on the log.