NPFL Matchday 16 Round-up: Abia Warriors Pip Gombe as Heartland Outshine Remo in Owerri
Having rested last weekend, the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season resumed action in the midweek with matchday 16 fixtures across 10 centres.
Abia Warriors were 3-1 winners over Gombe United at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Solomon Obi, with the effort of Onu Emmanuel opened the scoring in the 22nd minute to give Abia the lead, and Paschal Nwabueze doubled the lead four minutes later. Obi, this time, he was set up by captain of the side, Njoku Augustine to grab his brace and his team’s third, while David Nnaji reduced the deficit for Gombe in the 47th minute. Abia are 8th placed with 23 points and the Savannah Scorpions are 14th on the standings after claiming 19 points.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland pummeled Remo Stars 3-1 – and it was Promise Anyanwu who put the host on the path of success after converting a spot-kick in the 50th minute, though Sikiru Alimi responded for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side with his 11th goal of the season eight minutes after the hour mark, but Onyekachi Okafor, substitute for George Jenom in the 59th minute was assisted by Francis Erikan’s header to restore Kennedy Boboye’s side lead in the 94th minute and Chinedu Ike completed the task before full-time whistle. The Naze Millionaires occupies 17th on 16 points and the Sky Blues Stars remain top of the log with 29 points despite defeat.
Edith Agoye’s Sunshine Stars clinched a two nil result against Doma United in front of their fans (Akure Township Stadium). Isaac Emmanuel struck twenty minutes into the game and Opeoluwa Olufemi increased the tally in the 47th minute as the Akure Gunners came out victorious. Sunshine are now 10th (21 points), whereas Akinade Onigbinde’s men have dropped to third, on 28 points.
In a related development, Enugu Rangers pipped Shooting Stars 2-0 in their return to their home ground, Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu, popularly known as the Cathedral. Kalu Nweke registered a goal in the 29th minute and Chukwuebuka Okorie compounded the woes of Gbenga Ogunbote’s team in the latter stages. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Flying Antelopes with a game in hand have gathered 22 points (9th) and the Oluyole Warriors, who also have an outstanding match sits 13th (19 points).
Bayelsa United lost to Finidi George’s Enyimba 2-1 at home (Samson Siasia Sports Complex). Ekene Awazie broke the deadlock with a sumptuous free-kick to give the travellers the advantage in the 65th minute – and Israel Consul fired home the equalizer seven minutes later, while Mbaoma Chijioke slot in a penalty with nine minutes left to secure all three points for the People’s Elephant. The Restoration Boys are bottom on 14 points, while Enyimba who are yet to play two games have amassed 26 points in fourth.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars brush aside Kwara United in a 2-1 scoreline at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Kwara were on the ascendancy and consequently, they took the lead off Issa Gata after thirteen minutes of action. Pillars fought back when they restored parity before half-time break and NPFL veteran, Rabiu Aliu earned his side the decider in the 92nd minute. Pillars can be found in 6th having garnered 25 points and Kwara occupies 12th after securing 19 points.
Katsina United ran away with a 1-0 triumph versus Akwa United at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Chidera Ezeh brought the glory to fruition after netting a penalty in the 21st minute. The win sees Katsina move four places to 11th (20 points) and a game in hand, while the Promise Keepers are still battling relegation in 19th with 15 points.
In Jos (New Jos Stadium), It was a close contest between Plateau United and Paul Offor’s Sporting Lagos, but the clash went in favour of Plateau following Albert Hilary’s finish in the 76th minute. Mbwas Mangut’s Plateau (the Peace Boys) have played a game less and claimed 25 points so far; fifth on the table. Similarly, the Noisy Lagosians, who have played 15 games have registered 17 points in 15th.
Kumaga Suur’s goal in the 75th minute was enough for Lobi Stars to beat Niger Tornadoes at the Lafia Township Stadium. The Pride of Benue are second placed, tied on points (29) with Remo Stars, who are top of the table and Tornadoes are living dangerously in 18th (16 points).
Rivers United and Bendel Insurance played out a one-all draw in Port Harcourt (Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium). Chisom Okereke scored in the 20th minute as Monday Odigie’s Insurance took the initiative. However, it was cancelled out by Captain Nyima Nwagua later in the first half. The Pride of Rivers led by Stanley Eguma are yet to play five matches, thus in 16th and have recorded 16 points – though, the Benin Arsenal with all games played are 7th (24 points).
The ten (10) games played produced 23 goals – 9 wins and 1 draw as we now look forward to matchday 17.
