Kwara United return to NPFL summit as Dakkada comeback stuns Kano Pillars

Kano Pillars were stunned by a rousing comeback from Uyo-based Dakkada FC in their Matchday 13 fixture which finished 3-2 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo on Sunday. Pillars took the lead through mercurial midfielder, Rabiu Ali from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, and doubled their lead in the 30th minute through Gerome Henchong. Dakkada pulled one back 8 minute later when Christian Ekong finished calmly in the box. Phillip Archibong scored from an Ekong assist in the 48th minute to level matters before Ekong won a penalty after he was felled by the Pillars keeper, Idrissu Ibrahim. Isaac George stepped up and tucked the penalty away to make it 3-2 and secure an important victory for Dakkada FC.

Akwa United followed in Dakkada’s footsteps as they thrashed Rivers United 3-0 at the same Nest of Champions to move up to 5th on the log. On his first game back from injury, experienced striker Mfon Udoh opened the scoring in the first half with his third goal of the season before Charles Atshimene doubled the lead with his third goal of the season as well. Morice Chukwu sealed the win with a late strike to sink the out-of-sorts Rivers United.

Rangers moved up to 3rd following an impressive 2-0 Oriental derby victory over Heartland in Enugu. Left back Isaac Loute opened the scoring with an absolute belter before Godspower Aniefiok doubled the Flying Antelopes’ tally.

Kwara United moved back to the top of the log with a 2-0 win over visiting Warri Wolves at the Kwara State Sports complex in Ilorin. Steven Jude opened the scoring with a fine effort in the 8th minute of the encounter before a second half strike from Michael Ohanu sealed the points. Warri Wolves finished with 10 men after Innocent Orukpe was sent off after two bookable offences.

Lobi Stars defeated Katsina United 2-1 at the Aper Aku Stadium. Chinonso Okechukwu opened the scoring for Lobi Stars before Katsina United equalised through Rasheed Ahmed. It took a late effort from Samuel Matthias to ensure that the three points belonged to Lobi Stars.

Sunshine Stars’ wretched run of form continued as they played out a goalless draw at home to Adamawa United in the NPFL on Sunday. The Akure Gunners have failed to win in their last six games, the current longest winless streak in the league, and hover just above the relegation places.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah were held to a goalless draw by Plateau United in their NPFL Matchday 13 fixture. Ifeanyi Ubah remain in the relegation zone.

Jigawa Golden Stars held Enyimba to a drab 0-0 draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. In a quite uneventful match, Jigawa Golden Stars managed to nullify the threat posed by a much-rotated Enyimba side who have now dropped to 4th on the NPFL log