NPFL Matchday Three Review: The big boys turn up the heat
On Sunday January 10th, the NPFL 2020/21 Matchday Three fixtures were completed with a number of tantalising games including the Southwest derby between MFM FC and Sunshine Stars.
Log leaders, Rivers United won their third consecutive game with a clean sheet as they hosted Kwara United. The Pride of Rivers scored a quickfire double in the 33rd and 34th minutes through Ifeanyi Anaemena and Godwin Aguda to go into halftime 2 goals up. Kwara United were reduced to 9 men, first, Afeez Nosiru for a violent tackle, then Ejeh Isaiah for a handball in the 90th minute. Aguda duly scored from the spot to give his team a 3-0 win.
2019/20 champions, Plateau United finally got their season on track with a huge win over fellow strugglers, Heartland in Jos. Mohammed Zulkifilu, Amos Gyang and Akila Jesse all scored to help them to a 3-0 lead.
Lobi Stars also won big against Warri Wolves at home. Ossy Martin scored after just 35 seconds to give Lobi the lead. In a game-changing moment, goalkeeper Aliko of Lobi Stars saved a penalty and his team quickly got on the attack and scored a second from a peach of a freekick by Matthias Samuel. Chinonso Okonkwo scored in the 90th minute to secure the points in a 3-0 win.
MFM had to dig deep at home in the Southwest derby to win 1-0. Dennis Obasi scored in the 5th minute of the encounter, and Sunshine Stars huffed and puffed but couldn’t find the goal they needed.
Enyimba and Wikki Tourist faced off in Aba and the home side win their second consecutive league game thanks to Nabil Yarou’s header in the 24th minute.
Nasarawa United needed a late equaliser from Adamu Hassan to prevent Kano Pillars from defeating them at home. Pillars had scored first in Lafia immediately the second half started through Nyima Nwagua. The result ensured that Nasarawa United dropped points for the first time this season.
Rangers International went to Kaduna and beat the Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 thanks to a 77th minute goal by forward, Israel Abia.
Dakkada FC won away to FC Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0 in Nnewi with the goal from Nnamdi Mejuobi in the 29th minute of the game.
Katsina United won 2-0 at home against Adamawa United. Rasheed Ahmed scored a brace in the 42nd and 75th minute.
