Oriental derby magic as Heartland steal a point against Warriors
Rivers maintain 100% home record
Heartland and Abia Warriors provided elite entertainment as they battled out to a 2-2 draw in their Oriental derby game on Matchday 14 of the NPFL season. Godwin Obaje scored a first half brace for the in-form Abia Warriors before Heartland struck twice in the second half through Pascal Eze and a Samuel Nnoshiri penalty to earn a share of the points at their home ground. Both sides are now placed 11th and 12th on the league table following an upturn in recent results.
Plateau United defeated MFM FC 3-1 at the New Jos Stadium. Mohammed Zulkifilu scored a brace to put the home side 2 goals up before Nojeem Adeyinka pulled one back for MFM. Isah Ndala scored late in the game to make it 3-1 and secure the points for the home side who are now up to 9th on the log.
Nasarawa United defeated visiting Lobi Stars by a lone goal scored by Ikenna Ofor at the Lafia Township Stadium to move up to 5th on the table.
Rivers United won their 6th home game in 6 after defeating Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Godwin Aguda have the home side the lead in the first half before Cletus Emotan added a second early in the second half. Rivers United are the only team in this season’s NPFL to have a 100% record at home at this stage.
Kano Pillars and Rangers International played out a 1-1 draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Ernest Governor became the first visiting player to score against Kano Pillars when he struck within 10 minutes to give Rangers the lead before Auwalu Ali Malam equalised for the home side in the 42nd minute of the encounter. They remain in second and third place, respectively.
Kwara United ran away with a point from their trip to Bauchi where they faced Wikki Tourists. The home side took the lead through Chinedu Udeagha from the spot after Promise Damala was fouled. Kwara United scored a late equaliser through Jibola Adeleke as they remain on top of the NPFL.
Adamawa United picked up a surprise 2-0 home win over Dakkada FC. Idris Abubakar gave them the lead in the first half, before Surajo Hassan doubled their advantage as they took all three points. They have now gone three matches unbeaten for the first time ever in their NPFL history, but remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Katsina United held visiting Sunshine Stars to a goalless draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Sunshine Stars have now failed to win in their last 7 games in the league and sit in 14th place, just above the relegation zone.
