Sunshine Stars wallop Kano Pillars, Enyimba end losing streak- NPFL Matchday 5 recap

Matchday five of the 2021/22 NPFL season was held on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th January 2022 with a number of interesting results emerging from the match venues.

Sunshine Stars stunned the entire NPFL with a statement 3-0 victory over struggling Kano Pillars at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium. Second half goals from Kamaru Adebari, Michael Olulasi and Babatunde Bello sealed the deal for the Owena Whales as they picked up their first win this season. Kano Pillars have returned to the bottom of the pile after another embarrassing performance.

Lobi Stars made their home advantage count with a deserved 1-0 win over Champions Akwa United. Saidu Mubarak scored the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute to move the Benue-based side to sixth on the log, one place above Akwa United.

Katsina United came from behind to defeat newly-promoted Gombe United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring for Gombe United just before half-time, but Madaki Alkali Dauda equalised for the Changi Boys just two minutes after the restart. Dauda completed the comeback by scoring an outrageous goal direct from a corner-kick in the 93rd minute of the game to send the home fans into raptures.

Heartland defeated Wikki Tourist 1-0 to climb into the top half of the NPFL table. A first-half penalty from Chukwudi Nwaodi sealed the points for the Naze Millionaires.

Enyimba ended a two-game losing run with a 1-0 win over Shooting Stars at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. In a game that saw captain Austin Oladapo return from a six-month ban for Enyimba, Emmanuel Godwin scored in the 87th minute to give the People’s Elephant all three points and move them up to third on the NPFL log.

MFM FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos in their NPFL Matchday Five encounter. Goals from Muyiwa Balogun and Oladayo Alabi put the Olukoya Boys in control before Godwin Obaje pulled one back for the Umuahia Landlords in the 84th minute.

Kwara United and Rangers could not be separated at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin as they played a 1-1 draw. Samuel Chisom opened the scoring for the Afonja Warriors before Ossy Martins equalised for the Flying Antelopes early in the second half. Kwara United captain Christopher Nwaeze missed a penalty in the 67th minute of the match. Both sides have eight points apiece and occupy fourth and fifth place on the NPFL log.

Remo Stars continued their impressive start to life in the NPFL with a 1-0 win over Plateau United in Ikenne. Forward Samuel Anakwe scored the winner for the Sky Blues Stars in the 55th minute as they remain unbeaten and top of the NPFL standings.

Dakkada FC defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. Days after they were banished from Uyo, the Chosen Ones showed that they had put it behind them with an accomplished performance. Aniekan Ekpe put them in front from the penalty spot after only three minutes before Michael Tochukwu equalised for Nasarawa United after 30 minutes. Emmanuel Ayaosi scored a brilliant solo goal in the 90th minute to seal the points for Dakkada at their adopted home.

Niger Tornadoes held Rivers United to a goalless draw at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin. The Pride of Rivers are yet to lose in the NPFL this season and are in second place behind Remo Stars. Niger Tornadoes are second-bottom after five rounds of matches.