NPFL Recap: 3SC thrash Heartland as Rivers United consolidate top spot

Shooting Stars Sports Club claimed a brilliant 4-0 win over Heartland FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan to pick up a third consecutive win and move into sixth place in the NPFL 2021/22 standings.

Former Vandrezzer FC striker Kolawole Daniel opened his NPFL account to put the Oluyole Warriors in front before Malomo Taofeeq added a second in front of the raucous Ibadan crowd. Former Sunshine Stars youngster Ayo Adejubu added a third before Nafiu Raheem added a fourth in the dying embers of the game.

Rivers United moved two points clear of second-place Remo Stars on the NPFL log with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Dakkada FC in Port Harcourt. The Pride of Rivers’ man of the moment Ishaq Rafiu Kayode opened the scoring in the first half after he latched onto a pass from Chijioke Akuneto, before Dakkada youngster Emmanuel Ayaosi drew the Chosen Ones back level just before half-time. Rafiu Kayode scored from the penalty spot just after the hour mark to secure maximum points for the league’s in-form side.

Nasarawa United defeated Enyimba 2-1 at the Lafia Township Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 10 clash. The People’s Elephant quickly went in front as early as in the 13th minute. Former Nasarawa United defender Chigozie Obasi struck a ferocious drive towards goal that was parried by the goalkeeper, but Enyimba forward Victor Mbaoma was on hand to slot home the rebound. The Solid Miners equalised through Tolulope Oluwole five minutes later, before a 90th minute strike from Shammasu Mohammed sealed the comeback win for the home side.

Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes played out a 1-1 draw in their NPFL Matchday 10 encounter at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. Shamsudeen Hashim struck three minutes into the second half to put Niger Tornadoes ahead before Ifeanyi Ogba slotted an effort through the legs of the Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper in the 57th minute to draw his side level.

Champions Akwa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kwara United at the Nest of Champions in Uyo. Stephen Chukwude opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers before former Enyimba striker Samad Kadiri equalised for the Afonja Warriors in the second half.

Fidelity Ilechukwu led Plateau United to a brilliant away win over the high-flying Rangers International at their adopted home, the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, in Nnewi. Ibrahim Buhari scored what turned out to be the matchwinner in the 5th minute of the encounter for the Peace Boys against the team managed by their former coach Abdul Maikaba. Plateau United have now leapfrogged Rangers and sit in third place in the NPFL standings.

Abia Warriors showed no mercy in Okigwe as they thrashed visiting Wikki Tourist 3-0 in their NPFL clash. Valentine Odoh scored twice, his first two goals of the season, to put the Umuahia Landlords firmly ahead, before Godwin Obaje added a third for them.

Kano Pillars held high-flying Remo Stars to a goalless draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Remo Stars are still unbeaten in the NPFL this season and are two points behind the leaders Rivers United.