Enyimba go top, Abia Warriors finally end winless run in NPFL

Matchday 8 was chock-full of goals as it rained goals in different match centres in the NPFL.

Enyimba became the third team to occupy top spot on the log this season after they defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 in Lafia despite playing the final 30 minutes of the game one man short. Enyimba opened the scoring through an Abdullahi Aliyu first half own goal before the home side pulled themselves level through Chinedu Ohanachom. The win was sealed by Cyril Olisema from the penalty spot, taking Enyimba to first place. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, as Anthony Omaka picked up a red card for using his elbow on a player in the 62nd minute.

Akwa United defeated Adamawa United 1-0 away from home thanks to a strike from Mfon Udoh, his 71st in the NPFL. They have now won successive matches while Adamawa United remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Kano Pillars defeated Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Denis Kadiang scored twice in the opening 20 minutes of the match to give Pillars the win.

Wikki Tourists humbled MFM FC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. MFM came into the match on the back of a 5 game unbeaten run but lost 2-0 to goals from Promise Damala and a Chinedu Udeagha penalty.

Surprise package Kwara United continued their upward March as they defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 in Ilorin. Chris Nwanze opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Stephen Jude scored a freekick to make it 2-0. Lobi scored through Samuel Tiza to ensure a nervy finish to the game. Kwara United now sit in third place, only behind Enyimba and Rivers United.

Abia Warriors finally snapped their losing run with a comprehensive 4-1 trouncing of Sunshine Stars in Okigwe. Fatai Abdullahi opened the scoring for the Umuahia Landlords with a peach of a freekick, before Emmanuel Ugwuke doubled their lead. Sunshine Stars gunman, Sadeeq Yusuf scored his 6th goal in 7 NPFL games to make it 2-1, but the Warriors edged ahead again through a Bello Lukman brace.

Rangers International trounced Dakkada FC 3-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Israel Abia opened the scoring for the Flying Antelopes before a Christian Nnaji double sealed all three points.

Warri Wolves secured a narrow 1-0 home victory over Plateau United thanks to a second half strike by Efe Yarhere in Delta.