NPFL Matchday 18: Finidi at the brink in Enyimba as Rangers thrash Akwa United

NPFL Matchday 18 was upon us over the weekend with a number of interesting results. There was no change to the top two, who continue to lead the way in the league.

Enyimba coach Finidi George is surely living on borrowed time in the country’s biggest and most successful club. He could only lead Enyimba to a 1-1 draw against high-flying Plateau United in Aba in their NPFL Matchday 18 clash. Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring for the People’s Elephant with a delicate chipped finish inside the first 30 minutes. Plateau United secured an equaliser through Austin Opara in the second half after a brilliant display.

Enyimba’s fans showed their displeasure towards George as they chanted for Plateau United coach Fidelis Ilechukwu to be appointed as their side’s coach. The People’s Elephant find themselves in ninth place on the standings.

Rangers secured a brilliant 3-0 hammering of Akwa United in their NPFL Matchday 18 encounter at the Nest of Champions. The Flying Antelopes did not score until after 55 minutes when Sam Pam opened the scoring. Chidiebere Nwobodo added a second in the 70th minute. Shedrack Asiegbu added gloss to the scoreline with his 90th minute effort, making it 3-0 for Rangers.

Nasarawa United were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling MFM FC in their NPFL Matchday 17 clash. The visitors from Lagos opened the scoring through Chukwudi Ekeocha after only two minutes. Aliyu Abdullahi scored an equaliser just before half-time to draw the Solid Miners level.

Shooting Stars SC defeated Kano Pillars by a lone goal in their match at the Lekan Adamasingba Stadium on NPFL Matchday 18.  Uche Ezeala scored the game’s only goal in the 13th minute to hand the points to the Oluyole Warriors.

Log leaders Rivers United picked up a point on the road as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Gombe United at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. The Pride of Rivers still have a one point advantage over second-place Plateau United.

The pressure on Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo reduced for a bit after a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Lobi Stars in Makurdi. Two goals from Valentine Odoh sandwiched a consolation strike by Solomon Kwambe in the game.

Katsina United defeated the visiting Wikki Tourist 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 18 clash thanks to an early strike from Habibu Yakubu in the 17th minute of the encounter.

Sunshine Stars defeated the visiting Dakkada FC 2-1 in their match on Sunday. Emmanuel Charles had struck after only two minutes to put Dakkada in front, before Bello Babatunde equalised with a free-kick in the 14th minute. Ikenna Cooper completed the comeback with a smart finish after 75 minutes.

Kwara United moved up to fourth in the log following a 2-1 win over Heartland in their NPFL Matchday 18 encounter in Ilorin. Deji Bamidele and the in-form Alao Danbani put them two goals up before Chukwudi Nwaodu scored a late consolation goal.

Niger Tornadoes handed Remo Stars a slim 1-0 defeat in their NPFL Matchday 18 fixture. Musa Wakili got the game’s only goal after four minutes of the first half.