NPFL: Lobi Stars Maintain Lead as Remo, Plateau Record Big Wins
Former champions, Lobi Stars, consolidated their hold on the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) yesterday after defeating Sporting Lagos 1-0 at the Lafia Township Stadium.
It was Sunday Chukwu’s goal in the 29th minute that made Sporting Lagos to continue with their unimpressive runs on the road in their first season in the elite division.
The win keeps Lobi at the summit with 17 points.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars did their title aspirations a world of good as they drubbed Gombe United 4-0 to move to the second spot on the log on 15 points with a game to spare.
Former Shooting Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi, scored a brace, while Togolese ace, Franck Mawuena and Aniekeme Okon contributed one apiece to condemn the visitors to their fifth loss of the campaign.
Enyimba barked like toothless dog at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano but lost 1-0. Abba Adam’s second-half strike was enough to hand Kano Pillars the win.
Bendel Insurance proved to be a difficult customer to unravel for Niger Tornadoes as both teams settled for a goalless draw in Kaduna.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, hosts Katsina United were the better team as they claimed a 1-0 victory over visiting Rivers United.
Shooting Stars were moments away from registering a memorable away victory in Ilorin, but Alao Mohammed scored in the 88th minute for Kwara United to cancel out Malomo Ayodeji’s first-half opener as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw.
Abia Warriors’ butt turned sour after receiving a 3-1 lashing from Plateau United at the Jos International Stadium.
All the goals in the encounter came in the opening half hour.
Jerry Ogu’s own goal, coupled with efforts from Christopher Nwanze and Daniel Barnabas, handed the hosts a comfortable lead before Meme Okike netted the consolation goal for the visitors.
Nothing could separate Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers in Akure as the two sides battled to a 2-2 draw.
Godwin Obaje broke the deadlock for Rangers with only four minutes on the clock, but Sunshine responded instantly through Ibrahim Yusuf.
The home side got their noses in front for the first time in the match midway through the second half courtesy of Moses Omoduemuke’s fine strike, only for a stoppage-time goal from Jonas Emmanuel to wrestle a point for Rangers.
Earlier on Saturday, Doma United defeated Akwa United one-nil.
This evening, Heartland will look to grab their first win of the season when they host Bayelsa United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
