NPFL: Rangers in Firm Control as Wikki Drops Points
Wikki Tourists yesterday failed to regain leadership of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after they forced hosts Niger Tornadoes to a 1-1 draw in Lokoja.
Wikki is now second on the table having recorded 44 points from 26 matches, two points behind new leaders Enugu Rangers.
Rivers United stayed in third place also on 44 points, but with an inferior goals difference to Wikki. Enyimba is now fourth on the table with 40 points, six points adrift of new league leaders Enugu Rangers. Pillars are fifth on the standings with 39 points.
Tornadoes opened scoring against Wikki through Kunle Issa after 21 minutes.
Charles Henlong equalised for Wikki in the 64th minute from close range.
Tornadoes opened scoring against Wikki through Kunle Issa after 21 minutes.
Charles Henlong equalised for Wikki in the 64th minute from close range.
Rivers United were truly at home in Port Harcourt when they defeated Shooting Stars 2-0 only days after they eliminated the Ibadan club from the Federation Cup in penalty shootout.
Rivers goals were by Ivorian striker Guy Kuemian and Frederick Obomate with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike watching in the stands.
Rivers goals were by Ivorian striker Guy Kuemian and Frederick Obomate with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike watching in the stands.
Also yesterday in Port Harcourt, Enyimba recorded the double over rivals Kano Pillars after they won 2-1.
The NPFL champions had similarly defeated Pillars 2-1 in Kano in the first round of the championship.
Ifeanyi Anaemena fired Enyimba ahead in the 10th minute, but veteran striker Adamu Mohammed drew level a minute.
Uche John scored the match winner in the 73rd minute from the penalty spot after Stephen Chukwude was brought down inside the box on his way to goal.
The NPFL champions had similarly defeated Pillars 2-1 in Kano in the first round of the championship.
Ifeanyi Anaemena fired Enyimba ahead in the 10th minute, but veteran striker Adamu Mohammed drew level a minute.
Uche John scored the match winner in the 73rd minute from the penalty spot after Stephen Chukwude was brought down inside the box on his way to goal.
This was minutes after Enyimba were denied a penalty after Joseph Osadiaye was also felled inside the box.
In the 90th minute, Pillars goalkeeper David Obiozor pulled off a big save to deny Chukwude from point-blank range.
In other matches, Abia Warriors pipped Warri Wolves 1-0, MFM FC beat Heartland 2-0 and Lobi Stars were 1-0 winners over visiting Plateau United. FC IfeanyiUbah defeated El Kanemi Warriors 1-0.
In the 90th minute, Pillars goalkeeper David Obiozor pulled off a big save to deny Chukwude from point-blank range.
In other matches, Abia Warriors pipped Warri Wolves 1-0, MFM FC beat Heartland 2-0 and Lobi Stars were 1-0 winners over visiting Plateau United. FC IfeanyiUbah defeated El Kanemi Warriors 1-0.
RESULTS
Rivers Utd 2-0 3SC
Tornadoes 1-1 Wikki
Enyimba 2-1 Kano Pillars
Lobi 1-0 Plateau Utd
IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Elkanemi
Abia Warrior 1-0 Wolves
MFM FC 2-0 Heartland
Nasarawa 3-0 Sunshine
Akwa Utd 2-3 Rangers
