NPFL Matchday 24: Akwa United, Enyimba secure crushing wins as top sides falter
Remo Stars climb up to third as Kano Pillars drop into relegation trouble
The 2021-22 NPFL Matchday 24 delivered goals galore as Enyimba and Akwa United returned to winning ways after an uncertain couple of matches.
Enyimba claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Kano Pillars in their NPFL Matchday 24 encounter in Aba to return to winning ways in style. Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring for the People’s Elephant after finishing stylishly before adding a second following a mistake from Pillars goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo in the first half. Obioma Chukwuemeka added a third with a delightful dink over Enaholo before Godwin Emmanuel added a fourth in the dying embers of the game. The result plunged Kano Pillars into the drop zone, three points adrift from safety.
Akwa United thrashed Nasarawa United 6-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Captain Ubong Friday opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers as he prodded home from close range after the goalkeeper fumbled a shot into his path. Adam Yakubu scored for the second game running to make it 2-0 before wing wizard Wisdom Fernando scored twice to give the champions a 4-0 lead at half-time. Former Youth international King Osanga scored for Nasarawa United to pull one back nine minutes into the second half before further goals from Bello Babatunde and Franklin Matib rounded off the scoring for Akwa United.
Rivers United lost only their second match this season when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sunshine Stars in their NPFL Matchday 24 clash in Ijebu-Ode. A fourth minute header from former Enyimba forward Leonard Ugochukwu was enough for the Owena Whales to pick up maximum points from the encounter.
Plateau United missed their chance to close the gap with leaders Rivers United after they lost to Heartland 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 24 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Chukwudi Nwaodu scored the game’s only goal for the Naze Millionaires after 16 minutes of the match.
Remo Stars claimed an impressive 4-1 win over Dakkada at home to go up to third place in the NPFL. Tolulope Ojo opened the scoring for the Sky Blue Stars before Etido Dan equalised for the visitors minutes later. Akanni Qudus scored shortly after the interval to restore the home side’s lead before Andy Okpe added a third with his 10th goal of the season. Sikiru Alimi scored a late fourth to seal the win for the Sky Blue Stars.
Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2-1 win over Rangers in their NPFL Matchday 24 clash in Kaduna. Segun Alebiosu opened the scoring for the Ikon Allah Boys before Kenechukwu Agu gave Rangers an equaliser in the second half. Musa Wakili scored the winner for Niger Tornadoes with eight minutes left in the match.
Katsina United defeated Shooting Stars 3-1 to return to winning ways in the NPFL. Madaki Alkali Dauda opened the scoring for the Chanji Boys before Sochima Elum equalised for Shooting Stars. Dauda added a second from the penalty spot before Aliyu Musa sealed the points for Katsina United in the 90th minute.
Abia Warriors held Kwara United to a 1-1 draw in their NPFL Matchday 24 clash in Ilorin. Samuel Tiza gave the home side the lead on the stroke of half-time before Valentine Odoh equalised for the Umuahia Landlords.
Lobi Stars claimed a 2-1 win over Gombe United in their NPFL Matchday 24 encounter in Makurdi. Endurance Ebedebiri opened the scoring with a header for the home side before Chinonso Okonkwo added a second from the penalty spot. Al-Ameen Al-Ameen scored a consolation for the Savannah Scorpions late in the game.
Wikki Tourist picked up a 2-0 win over MFM away from home in Lagos. Abubakar Aliyu and Solomon Chipotle scored after two and 87 minutes, respectively, to seal the win for the visitors.
