NPFL Matchday 31 Review: MFM FC put pressure on league leaders, Rangers in relegation zone
MFM FC defeated Katsina United in a five-goal thriller on Monday to put pressure on league leaders, Plateau United while defending champions, Rangers International suffered a 2-0 defeat to further increase their relegation chances.
A total of 22 goals were scored in the games played in the Nigeria Professional Football (NPFL) across the Federation on the matchday 31 but no away wins were recorded.
In Lagos at the Agege Township Stadium, Stephen Odey’s 18th of the season, Sikiru Olatunbosun and Chukwuka Onuwa goals helped MFM FC beat Katsina United 3-2 on Monday morning. Katsina United goals were scored by Destiny Ashadi and Obinna Eleje via free kicks.
In Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Akwa United came from a goal down to beat visitors Nasarawa United. Aminu Kadir opened the scoring for Nasarawa United, before goals by Ubong Friday and Christian Pyagbara completed Akwa’s comeback.
In Portharcourt at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Rivers scored more than two goals in a league match as they beat Wikki Tourists 3-1 to the delight of their fans. Guy Keumian, Emeka Ogbugh and Chiwendu Ali scored for Rivers, while Abubakar Lawal got Wikki’s consolation.
In Ibadan at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars moved out of the drop zone with a 1-0 win against 7-time champions Enyimba. Abayomi Adebayo’s early strike proved to be the match-winner.
In Ilorin, ABS FC produced arguably their best performance of the season as they beat defending champions, Enugu Rangers in a relegation 6-pointer. ABS’ goals were scored by Abubakar Chindo and Wasiu Alalade.
In Kano, League Blogger Player of the month for June, Nyima Nwagua and Sikiru Kamal were on target as Kano Pillars beat rock-bottom Remo Stars 2-0.
In Ijebu Ode, Sikiru Alimi was the hero as Sunshine put some daylight between them and the bottom 4 with a 1-0 win over ElKanemi Warriors.
In Uyo, FC Ifeanyi Ubah surrendered a first half tw0-goal lead to Gombe United in their 2-2 draw. Isaac Loute’s brilliant free kicks had put the hosts in front before Sanni Abanni and Austine Oladapo equalized for Gombe United.
In Markurdi, leaders, Plateau United improved their chances of winning their first league title with a goalless draw against a misfiring Lobi Stars side.
In Lokoja, Abia Warriors boss Abdullahi Biffo led his team to a goalless draw against his former side Niger Tornadoes. Tornadoes goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko was surprisingly left on the bench as his side kept their 3rd consecutive clean sheets.
Matchday 31 Results
Rivers United 3-1 Wikki
ABS 2-0 Rangers
Kano Pillars 2-0 Remo Stars
3SC 1-0 Enyimba
Lobi 0-0 Plateau United
FCIU 2-2 Gombe United
Tornadoes 0-0 Abia Warriors
Akwa United 2-1 Nasarawa United
Sunshine Stars 1-0 El-Kanemi
MFM FC 3-2 Katsina United
