The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continued in usual fashion (different centres) across the country over the weekend.
In an encounter where bragging right is of much significance (the South-West Derby), Remo Stars conquered Paul Offor’s Sporting Lagos 2-1 in Ikenne. Jonathan Alukwu scored the opener twenty-one minutes into the game after a good build-up play by his teammates and Franck Mawuena responded ten minutes later to balance up. Goal poacher, Sikiru Alimi scored from the spot as Daniel Ogunmodede’s men ran away with a win. The Sky Blue Stars are top of the standings with 9 points and the Noisy Lagosians sits eleventh (11th) with 5 points. Similarly, the defeat means Sporting are yet to record a win in their last three games after getting scoreless draws in previous games against Doma United and Akwa United respectively.
Lobi Stars breezed through Abia Warriors at the Lafia City Stadium in a 2-0 scoreline. Ahmad Liman netted first for the Makurdi-based side in the 15th minute – and A. Dabani fired the second ten minutes later – thereby claiming 8 points in second place, compared to Erasmus Onu’s men in 10th, having amassed 6 points in 4 games.
Elsewhere, Albert Hillary’s breathtaking free-kick in the 30th minute was enough for Plateau United to get the better of Sunshine Stars at the New Jos Stadium. The win takes the Peace Boys to 8th on the standings (6 points) and Edith Agoye’s team and the Akure Gunners on 4 points in 16th.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium and in a game where Anthony Ohaegbu was sent off for Rivers United in the 74th minute after receiving a second yellow, captain of the side and one of NPFL’s greats, Rabiu Ali’s last-gasp goal made the difference for Kano Pillars. While they occupy the 9th position with the win (6 points), Stanley Eguma’s side are surprisingly 15th on the log with 4 points.
In a related development, 78th minute goal by Bala Yahuza ensured Hamza Abarah’s Niger Tornadoes grab a 1-0 triumph against Bayelsa United at Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Tornadoes are up there in 7th (6 points) and Diepreye Teibowei’s team are 19th with 3 points, losing three games in a row (Doma United 2-0; Remo Stars 1-2 and recent defeat) after matchday one 5-3 win against Akwa United.
Ahmed Jimoh sealed it for Gombe United in the 51st minute against Bendel Insurance at the Pantami Stadium – and they are currently sixth with 6 points, while the Benin Arsenal are fifth on same points and a game in hand against Enyimba.
It ended all square (1-1) in Christian Obi Heartland’s clash with Katsina United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. An extensive throw by Chrsitian Nnaemeka deflected rival defender to put Heartland in front but Michael Ibe Okoro did enough to score the equaliser in the 73rd minute and earn the visitors a point. The Naze Millionaires have 3 points (17th) and Tony Bolus’ team have 5 points (13th) after four games.
A similar result was played out in the encounter between Kwara United and Enugu Rangers in Ilorin. Kazeem Ogunleye struck first for Rangers in the 34th minute – albeit cancelled out by Mohammed Alao’s goal seven minutes before the hour mark. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team takes the third place with the draw – amounting to 7 points, whereas Azeez Audu Mohammed’s Kwara United have 5 points and 12th on the standings.
No goal was recorded in the tie between Akwa United and Shooting Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium – which sees Akwa United at the bottom of the table with only two points garnered – the other in a similar result versus Sporting Lagos and Gbenga Ogunbote’s side have 7 points in fourth place.
Enyimba had their game against Doma United postponed as a result of their involvement in the African Football League (AFL) quarter-finals first leg tie with Wydad Casablanca. However, the Moroccan side sealed a slim 1-0 victory over the People’s Elephant through a penalty converted by Yahya Jabrane in the 39th minute. Also, a red card was shown to Enyimba’s Somiari Alalibo before stoppage time – and Finidi George’s side now have two outstanding games in the NPFL – Bendel Insurance and Doma United respectively.
With the exception of a fixture to wrap up the week four matches, the nine games produced 13 goals – six wins and three draws.
