NPFL Matchday 16 Round up: Rangers, Rivers held at home as MFM reclaim top spot
Rangers and Rivers United continue their poor outing in the league as they were held by newly promoted Remo Stars and inform Plateau United respectively, while MFM FC beat Abia Warriors to regain the top spot.
A total of 18 teams were in action on Wednesday as the Nigeria Professional Football League clubs fight for points on matchday 16.
Winless in their last three league games, Rangers International welcomed newly promoted Remo Stars at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium seeking redemption but the match didn’t end as planned for the reigning champions.
Daniel Etor put Rangers in front in the 14th minute as his tame effort went through Walbe’s leg before Ekene Awazie then equalized for the visitors in the 51st minute of the encounter with a solo effort.
The 2015-16 champions are currently occupying the bottom spot on the log and are 17 points behind the league leaders MFM FC.
At the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Portharcourt, Rivers United were held to a goalless draw by Plateau United to increase the pressure on Stanley Eguma who has been given an ultimatum to produce results or face the exit door.
At the Agege Township Stadium, MFM FC defeated 2-1 Abia Warriors without their coach on the seat, Stephen Odey’s 13th league goal of the season and Sikiru Olatunbosun’s free-kick goals settled the tie in Lagos. Sunday Adetunji scored Abia Warriors lone goal in the 84th minutes.
At the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Victor Alegbe’s header from a corner kick in the 85th minutes gave Wikki Tourist a 1-0 victory over Enyimba.
At Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin, ABS were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Gombe United. Chigozirim Metu put the home team infront in the 40th minutes. In the 45th minute, Gombe United were reduced to 10 players when Oladapo received his marching orders for a second bookable offense.
In the 54th minute of the tie, Mannir Ubale equalized for the visitors, he benefitted from ABS Gk Boje’s error.
There were victories for Sunshine Stars, FC IfeanyiUbah and Shooting Stars over Katsina, Niger Tornadoes, El-Kanemi respectively.
#NPFL Matchday 16 Results
Rangers 1-1 Remo
Wikki 1-0 Enyimba
Rivers 0-0 Plateau
ABS 1-1 Gombe
MFM 2-1 Abia Warriors
Pillars 1-1 Nasarawa
3SC 1-0 El-Kanemi
FCIU 1-0 Tornadoes
Sunshine 2-0 Katsina
Later today, Lobi Stars and Akwa United will trade tackle by 4:00 pm.
