NPFL22: Remo Stars march on as Pillars, 3SC struggle

NPFL table-toppers Remo Stars continued their impressive start to the 2021/22 NPFL season with a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Matchday Seven of the 2021/22 season.

Remo Stars secured their win thanks to a second-half strike from midfielder Dayo Ojo, his second decisive goal in as many games. Following a Remo Stars corner from the left flank, the clearance fell to an unmarked Ojo just outside the box and the midfielder let rip a shot that took a slight deflection before nestling in the back of the net in the 63rd minute of a tight contest.

In Ilorin, Kabiru Balogun’s sumptuously taken 52nd minute free-kick was enough to give Kwara United all three points in their home clash against Kano Pillars, with the Afonja Warriors claiming a 1-0 win.

Rivers United handed MFM a 3-1 beating at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos as the Pride of Rivers kept up their undefeated start to the season in the NPFL. Goals from Chijioke Akuneto, Ishaq Kayode and Uche Onwuasonaya put Rivers United three goals up before Tosin Olubobola pulled one back for the home side.

At the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, newly-promoted Niger Tornadoes repeated their feat from the 2021 NNL final by defeating Shooting Stars 2-0, this time in the NPFL. Martins Usule and Munir Idris scored in either half for the Ikon Allah boys as they took all three points from the clash.

Sunshine Stars continued their resurgence with a 2-0 win over Gombe United in Ijebu. Goals from Promise Orji and Bello Babatunde early in each half gave the Owena Whales all three points from the match.

Wikki Tourists defeated Dakkada 1-0 at their adopted home– Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. A second half strike from Abubakar Aliu was enough for the visitors to claim maximum points from the match.

Plateau United and Nasarawa United served up a cracker of a North Central Derby in Jos as they played out a 3-2 result, with the Peace Boys taking all three points at home. Haggai Katoh opened the scoring for Plateau United before former Warri Wolves star Uche Ihuarulam equalised for Nasarawa United. Plateau United scored twice in seven second half minutes through Jesse Akila and Mohammed Zulkifilu to go 3-1 up before Tochukwu Michael converted a late penalty for Nasarawa United.

Katsina United and Lobi Stars played out a goalless draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

In Owerri, Rangers thrashed Heartland 3-0 in their Oriental Derby match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. Goals from Julius Ikechukwu, Christian Nnaji and Shedrack Asiegbu gave the Flying Antelopes yet another win over Heartland in the NPFL.

After Matchday seven, Remo Stars remain unbeaten and on top of the standings with 17 points. Just below Remo Stars, Rivers United are also unbeaten and have 15 points, and Rangers complete the top three with 14 points. Heartland, Gombe United, Shooting Stars and MFM make up the bottom four on the log.