NPFL: Plateau Utd Loses Invincibility As Matchday 7 Is Characterized With Big Wins For Kano Pillars, Akwa Utd
Plateau United had their six-game unbeaten stretch snapped in Okigwe were they lost 1-0 to Heartland FC of Owerri, while Ndifreke Effiong’s hat-trick helped Akwa United FC to their first win of the campaign in the 4-0 routing of newcomers, Adamawa United FC.
Twenty-three goals, six wins and two draws characterized Matchday 7, with Enyimba, Rivers, Rangers and Jigawa Stars not involved in action.
Until this game, Plateau enjoyed a positive run home and away and may have set sights at extending the lead with possible win at Okigwe where their hosts have endured a tough run with just one win. Unlike the previous Matchdays, Maikaba’s men were unlucky as Chibundu Amah’s goal on 73 minutes earned Fidelis Illechuchwu’s Heartland their second win of the season.
Reprieve came the way of John Obuh and his highly priced squa, as they milked their first win of the campaign after six attempts. The ‘Promise keepers’ had come under intense criticism from fans, following the relative good start to the campaign of their city rivals, Akwa Starlets.
Ndifreke Effiong struck first for the Promise Keepers six minutes into the game, from a Paul Obata free-kick, before slamming home the second on 14 minutes. Paul Obata tapped in Aniekeme Asuquo’s cross in the 25th minute. Effiong completed what was a splendid afternoon for the Uyo side, with their fourth goal on 69 minutes.
A haul of seven goals were recorded at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano but it was three time champions Kano Pillars that harvested six of the seven, shipping in just one against Delta Force in the 6-1 thriller.
David Ebuka had opened scoring for the Kano side three minutes into the fixture, before Abdullahi Musa and Auwala Ali secured the second and third goals in the 20th and 50th minutes respectively. Bala Yahuza reduced the deficit just before the hour mark.
Rabiu Ali restored Pillars three goals lead three minutes later, and also provided two assists for Chijioke Alaekwe to grab a brace on 77 and 87 minutes.
Fans in Akure, the sunshine city had goals to luxuriate in as the game between Sunshine Stars and Nasarawa United produced all of six goals. After the six goals thriller Sunshine Stars moved to sixth place on the log following the 4-2 win against struggling Nasarawa United of Lafia. Israel Abia scored all four goals for the home side.
Elsewhere, Tasiu Lawal’s fourth goal of the campaign earned Katsina United a lone goal victory at home to MFM of Lagos.
Tochukwu Aneyiegu and Ikenna Cooper scored in the 49th and 85th minutes to help FC IfeanyiUbah to a 2-0 win against visiting Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
Newly promoted Akwa Starlets FC held Abia Warriors to a 1-1 draw at the Umuahia Township Stadium, while the game between Warrior Wolves and Lobi Stars ended barren at the Warrior Township Stadium.
Via LMC
