NPFL Review: MFM win again to go top, Lobi take the battle of the stars
Seven games instead of ten were played across the nation, the fixtures involving Akwa United v Ikorodu United; Enyimba v Shooting Stars and IfeanyiUbah against Nasarawa United were rescheduled so that Enyimba, Nasarawa and Akwa United will focus on their continental fixtures, the ties will hold on March 16.
MFM continued from where they stopped and pundits and fans alike are beginning to call them the Leicester City of NPFL. Too early to call?.
They started brightly against Rivers Utd and after 18 minutes of play they took the lead; Akuneto was brought down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi converted the penalty to give them the lead. 6 minutes later Sikiru Olatubosun put them two goals up.
Rivers Utd reduced the deficit when Obomate pulled one back for them. MFM’s keeper James Aiyeyemi made series of saves to ensure his side secured all the 3 available points.
In Enugu, Kim John’s 8 minutes free-kick put Plateau Utd ahead but Rangers with their fans right behind them equalized on the 54 minutes when Togaba Komlan nodded home a good cross. Nnamdi Anyasodo put John Obuh boys ahead with a beautiful finish from Egbuchulam’s cross.
Things became bad for Plateau Utd when Chisom Egbuchulam who put up a man of the match display scored the third and winning goal for Rangers.
Warri Wolves’ Kelvin Itoya last minute gasp effort gave them a 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars in the league on Wednesday, a Match Day 2 fixture.
In Aba, Super Eagles striker, Chisom Chikatara open his account with a fine strike from Sakin’s assist; few minutes later, Mustapha Ibrahim equalised for El-Kanemi.
After 3o minutes of play Henry Ochuba got a second booking and was sent off, with Abia Warriors down to 10 players El-Kanemi pushed for the winner but it was Abia Warriors substitute Olaha that got the winner, his 81st minutes strike was good enough to secure all the 3 points for Abia Warriors.
In Markurdi, Lobi Stars recorded their second win in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League with Anthony Okpotu’s brace in the high tension match at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
36 minutes into the game, Okpotu open the scoring for Lobi but Emmanuel Sunday’s 68th minutes strike cancelled his goal.
Lobi responded immediately through Okpotu in a counter-attack initiated by Nanen Imenger which found Okpotu free at the edge of the box. He converted a rebound shot which Ezenwa could not hold firmly within two minutes of the equaliser.
The battle of Lokoja’s bragging rights ended in a draw as there was nothing separating the two teams in a state once ruled by Lord Luggard. Giwa FC 1-1 Niger Tornadoes it ended.
A total of 16 goals were scored (2 goals per game), 2 draws, 5 wins (all at home).
NPFL Match Day 2 Results
Tornadoes 1-1 Giwa FC
Rangers 3-1 Plateau
Wolves 1-0 Pillars
Lobi 2-1 Sunshine Stars
Abia Warriors 2-1 El-Kanemi
Wikki 0-0 Heartland
MFM 2-1 Rivers Utd
