Nigeria FootballNigeria Professional Football League

NPFL Match Day 1 Review: Big wins for 3SC, MFM & ABS as Rangers lose at the Cathederal

There were two away wins in the opening games of 2016-17 Nigeria Professional Football League that started over the weekend.

The first match of the new season between Kano Pillars and FC IfeanyiUbah was abandoned as the Anambra Warriors felt the the center referee was making repeat calls against them, as at when the Federation and Charity Cup champions walked out of the pitch Kano Pillars were leading 1-0.

At the Nnadi Azikwe stadium (Cathedral) the home of the 2015-16 NPFL champions an upset was recorded as they lost 2-1 to Abia Warriors in the first oriental derby of the season, the defeat marked the first time the Warriors will be beating the flying antelopes in as many attempts.

Rangers struck first through Fortune Omoniwari ten minutes into the game, before Emeka Isaac’s deflected effort levelled terms for the visitors midway through the first half. Godwin Zaki got the winner from a penalty in the 72nd minute, after Chibuzor Madu handled the ball inside the area.

El Kanemi Warriors continued their woeful away run as they lost 2-1 to Rivers United, they have now failed to win a game away from home in 65 games.

At the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Ibrahim Mustapha’s solo effort was all Enyimba International needed to dispatch a determined Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Newly-promoted ABS FC shocked Akwa United with a 3-1 win at the Kwara Township Stadium. Mohammed Mohammed had given the home side the advantage in the 12th minute, before Godspower Igudia headed home the equalizer for the visitors, seven minutes later.

Stone Evbuomwam restored ABS’ advantage at the half hour mark from a penalty, before Abubakar Chindo capitalized from a defensive blunder to put the game behind the Promise Keepers.

Rivalry was renewed at the Karkanda Stadium, when two promoted sides, Katsina United and Gombe United, clashed. Tasiu Lawal struck first for the home side in the fifth minute, before Mannir Ubale’s stunning free kick levelled terms for the visitors. Suleiman Ibrahim sealed the win nine minutes before the break.

Sikiru Olatunbosun, Stephen Odey and Adegboyega Adekunle got the goals as MFM dispatched Niger Tornadoes 3-0 in Lagos. Plateau United handed newcomers, Remo Stars their first baptism in the top-flight with a hard fought 2-1 win at Sagamu.

Wikki Tourists and Nasarawa United shared the spoils in Bauchi after a 0-0 draw. At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan goals from Afolabi Waheed and Sunday Faleye helped Shooting Stars to a comfortable 2-0 win against visiting Lobi Stars.

 

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