NPFL…NPFL…NPFL…Enugu Rangers Return to NPFL Summit

Wikki Tourists have been knocked off the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings following their 0-3 loss to Akwa United in Uyo yesterday.

Hassan Babangida was the hero for the Promise Keepers as he put his side in front, hammering home a rebound after the Wikki Tourists’ goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu, parried Fortune Omoniwari’s free kick towards his path in the 11th minute.

Babangida completed his brace on the half hour while Friday Ubong netted a late third to knock the stuffing out of the away side as Akwa United won at a canter.

Wikki thus drop to second place on the standings as they remain on 47 points from 28 matches.

The defeat for Wikki means Enugu Rangers have now moved to the top of the NPFL standings with 48 points as they drew 1-1 with Enyimba in Port Harcourt.

Stephen Chukwude smashed home a fantastic volley to put the home side in front in the 45th minute but Rangers equalised in first-half stoppage time through Godwin Aguda.

In Lokoja, Abia Warriors surrendered a shock early lead to lose 2-1 to Niger Tornadoes at the Confluence Stadium.

Uche Ihuaralam struck early for the visitors with a superb finish but Lukman Mohammed hit back for the home side in the ninth minute.

Solomon Owello put Tornadoes in front for the first time in the 43rd minute and it turned out to be the winner of the contest which eventually saw Tornadoes finish with 10 men.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars came from a goal down to defeat Sunshine Stars 2-1.

Meshack Chukwubuikem scored the opening goal for the visitors on 23 minutes but Ajani Ibrahim won a penalty for the hosts which was emphatically converted by Sunday Adetunji in the 33rd minute as the hosts drew level.

Adetunji netted from the penalty spot at the death as Shooting Stars claimed a late win.

FC Ifeanyiubah recorded their first ever victory over Kano Pillars in the NPFL as they prevailed 2-1 in Nnewi.

Ismaila Gata put the Anambra Warriors in front but Gambo Mohammed levelled up for the visitors.

Medrano Tamen pushed a dagger into Pillars’ hearts with a late goal as the home side feasted on the spoils.

Kingsley Eduwo, Patrick Ikeokwu and Raphael Ayagwa scored as Lobi Stars overcame Warri Wolves 3-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium.

Kabiru Umar scored the winner on five minutes as Plateau United claimed an unlikely 1-0 success over MFM FC in Agege, Lagos.