NPFL Matchday 21 Recap: Sikiru Alimi marks NPFL return with goal in Southwest derby as Enyimba falls to defeat

The midweek matches of NPFL Matchday 21 took place across various stadia in the country, with two derby matches taking center stage.

Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi scored the only goal for the Sky Blue Stars on his debut for the club in a 1-0 win over regional rivals MFM FC to give the high-flying Ikenne-based side a second win over the Church Boys this season in the NPFL.

Enyimba fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their city rivals Abia Warriors in their NPFL Matchday 21 clash to record their first such defeat in over five years. Yakub Hammed and Valentine Odoh gave the Umuahia Landlords a two-goal lead before Pascal Eze pulled one back for the People’s Elephant.

Rivers United picked up a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 21 encounter. Former Kano Pillars striker Nyima Nwagua scored the lone goal for the Pride of Rivers, who still sit atop the league standings.

Plateau United defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 thanks to a very late strike from defender Andrew Ikefe in the 87th minute, keeping them within two points of Rivers United at the top of the standings.

Abubakar Aliyu scored an early penalty as Wikki Tourist defeated Sunshine Stars by a lone goal in coach Emmanuel Deutsch’s first match in charge of the Owena Whales.

Dakkada FC had their youngsters to thank for a 2-0 win at home to Kwara United in their NPFL Matchday 21 encounter. Teenage sensation Emmanuel Ayaosi opened the scoring before fellow youngster Etido Dan scored a Pedri-esque goal in the 91st minute to seal the win for the Chosen Ones.

Nasarawa United further compounded Heartland’s woes with a 2-0 win over the struggling Naze Millionaires. Former Heartland striker Chinedu Ohanachom scored the opener before Abubakar Abdullahi added a second late in the game.

Rangers International bounced back from their last defeat to pick up a win over Katsina United in their NPFL Matchday 21 encounter in Awka. Chukwuebuka Okorie scored the only goal for the Flying Antelopes in the game.

Coach Deji Ayeni maintained his unbeaten start to life as Akwa United manager with a hard-earned 0-0 draw away from home against Kano Pillars in their NPFL Matchday 21 clash.

Shooting Stars were held to a goalless draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium by Gombe United, with each team earning a share of the spoils in the match.