NPFL Match Day 11 Review: Rangers win top of the table clash, Plateau sink Giwa to claim Jos derby
Despite the heavy downpour of rain across stadiums, the NPFL Match Day 11 still produced 14 goals in 8 games + Abia Warriors vs Lobi Stars to be concluded 10am tomorrow. The match was called off due to heavy rain and waterlogged pitch.
In the only fixture on Saturday in the NPFL, Egbuchulam’s early strike gave Rangers 1-0 over FC Ifeanyiubah and settled the top of the table clash.
The victory means Rangers remain top of the NPFL table after 11 games, 2 points clear 2nd place Ifeanyiubah.
At the Rwang Pam Stadium where the fans witnessed the first top division derby in Jos after five years, it provided all the anticipated fireworks. The stadium was packed as fans thronged the famous ground to see the best of football from their darling teams.
Second half goals from Benjamin Turba and Sunday Ingbede settled the Jos derby to give Plateau United 2-0 victory over Giwa FC .
Akwa United shook off the disappointment of their 1-2 home loss to Abia Warriors last match day to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2-0, goals from Ubong Ekpai and Cyril Olisema gave the home side the important three points to move them to 3rd on the log.
In Lagos at the Agege Stadium Ikorudu United and Sunshine Stars of Akure played a goalless draw. Ikorudu United failed to convert from the spot in 71st minute of the game.
MFM FC put up a good fight against Warri Wolves but Oghenewo Uzezi 71 minutes strike settled the fiesty tie to give Paul Aigbogun side the maximum points at the Warri Township stadium.
In Maiduguiri, 2nd half goals from Ibrahim Mustapha and Ohanachom were enough to secure a 2nil victory for El Kanemi Warriors over Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
Nasarawa United took an early lead in Kano through Esosa Igbinoba but Adamu Mohammed ‘headed’ Pillars back into the tie and few seconds to the end of the first half Pillars captain Gambo Mohammed put his side in the lead.
Pillars held on to their slender lead to take all the points and avoid a repeat of last season blow in the hands of Nasarawa United.
Anthony Oussou scored Heartland’s first goal before Nonso Okonkwo equalized for Rivers United with a stunning strike, but Ajunwa who came in the 2nd half finished with aplomb to restore Heartland’s lead.
In the end, Heartland beat Rivers United 2-1 in Owerri.
Match day 11 Results
Ikorodu Utd 0-0 Sunshine Stars
El-Kanemi 2-0 Shooting Stars
Kano Pillars 2-1 Nasarawa..
Rangers 1-0 Ifeanyiubah FC
Heartland 2-1 Rivers Utd
Plateau United 2-0 Giwa
Warri Wolves 1-0 MFM FC
Akwa Utd 2-0 Tornadoes
Abia Warriors 1-0 Lobi called off due to heavy rain and waterlogged pitch. Match to continue 10am tomorrow.
