NPFL Match Day 13 Review: Pillars shot down Shooting stars, Enyimba beat Akwa United in Uyo
From the first ever night of football in Enugu, Enyimba winning away from home, Lobi controversial last minute penalty against Tornadoes to Emmanuel Edmund’s hattrick in Pillars 6-0 demolition of Shooting Stars in Kano, week 13 in the NPFL was action packed and entertaining.
The week 13 games in the NPFL started with a Friday night football at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, it was Rangers International first night football at the stadium and they deservedly took the maximum points by beating Nasarawa United 2-1 on the night.
Bobby Clement who just came back from his three-match ban nodded the Flying Antelopes in front before Obinna Nwobodo lobbed Danladi Umar for the second. Nasarawa United defender Seun Sogbeso pulled one back for the visitors late in the game but the home side expertly ensured it was merely a consolation.
On Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Ikorodu United 1-0 at the El-Kanemi Sports Centre, Ibrahim Mustapha’s 24th minute strike from a spot kick for his seventh goal of the season settle the tie.
In Uyo at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Pyagbara’s 38 minutes strike ensured Enyimba beat Akwa United in Uyo and secured the maximum points for the People’s Elephant.
The defeat means Akwa United’s home losses have been to the teams from Aba, having previously lost to Abia Warriors.
In Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Pillars recorded their biggest home win in the NPFL since September 22, 2004 when they defeated Gombe United 7-1 with a 6-0 victory over the Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
Emmanuel Edmund’s hattrick and goals from Ifeanyi Matthew, Adamu Mohammed and Nafiu Ibrahim ensured Shooting Stars were shot down in Kano.
In Warri at the Warri Township Stadium, goals from Goodluck Onamado and John Odumegwu gave Paul Aigbogun boys a comfortable 2-0 vicory over Giwa FC and maximum points.
In Jos at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Plateau United defeated Rivers United 2-1. Benjamin Turba 14th minutes strike put the hosts ahead before Chinonso Okonkwo equalized for Rivers United but Plateau United scored in the last minute to secure the maximum points on the night.
In Makurdi at Aper Aku Stadium, a controversial late penalty converted by Okpotu settled the feisty encounter to give Lobi 1-0 victory over Tornadoes.
In Umuahia at the Umuahia Township stadium, Abia Warriors defeated MFM FC 3-1. Uche Ihuarula opened the scoring for the hosts on the 3rd minutes of the game, Stanley Okoro made it two for the home team and Ndifreke Effiong converted from the spot to make it three for the Ifeanyi Onyedika boys.
Kenedium scored a consolatory goal for MFM but it was too little to make any difference and Abia Warriors took the maximum points to move to 2nd on the log and one point behind league leaders Rangerd International FC.
In Bauchi at the Abubakar Tafawa Balawa Stadium, Godwin Obaje’s 30th minutes strike and Abubakar Lawal’s brace ensured Wikki Tourists defeated FC Ifeanyi Ubah 3 nil.
In Owerri at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Ifeanyi Onuigbo scored the only goal as Heartland beat Sunshine 1-0 to secure the maximum points.
Match Day 13 Results
