NPFL: Ikorodu City Edge Out Shooting as Remo Stars, Rivers Utd Fire Blank

Femi Solaja

The anticipated NPFL ‘top of the table’ clash between host Remo Stars of Ikenne and Rivers United failed to produce the spark expected of the sides, but in Lagos, Ikorodu City continued their winning streak as they posted a 2-1 win against Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

It was respite for Coach Finidi George in Ikenne as he avoided a third straight loss on the bounce with a goalless scoreline. The result was the only Match-day 12 of the Nigerian topflight that did not produce any goal in all the week’s 24 goals.

But going by the run of play, the away side produced more daring moments, and on three occasions, Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole was called to action just as Rivers United hit the bar in each half.

The last quarter of the match saw the host aiming for the maximum points but failing until the referee called off the match, and both teams still maintained their respective first and second positions on the table.

In Lagos, it was action-packed moments as host Ikorodu City had to come from behind to win 2-1 against Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

Anthony Okachi put the visitors in front in the 14th minute but Shola Adelani restored parity for the host in the 58th minute before Rivio Ayemwenre scored the winner in the 88th minute.

The result now pushed Ikorodu City to 8th position on 17 points while Shooting Stars dropped to 12th position.

In Enugu, defending champions, Enugu Rangers compounded the woes of Bendel Insurance with a 3-2 win at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.

Godwin Obaje opened the scoring for the host in the 21st minute and Frank Uwumiro doubled the lead in the 39th minute while Effimi Nsi made it three in the 54th minute.

Insurance came back strongly in the final quarter of the match with two goals in the 67th and 85th minute.

In Kano, Pillars came back twice against the visiting Heartland of Owerri at the Sani Abacha stadium. After a goalless first half, Suraju Lawal in the 51st opened score the visitors but veteran star player, Rabiu Ali in the 57th minute but Lawal restored the lead two minutes later.

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, scored the equaliser in the 75th minute to deny Coach Emmanuel Amuneke another away win this season.

In Aba, Abia Warriors managed a 1-1 result in their derby against former champions, Enyimba FC who scored first in the 9th minute through Clinton Jeptha but Adejoh Ojonugwa got the equaliser in the 26th.

The result leaves Enyimba in the third position with 20 points. In Ilorin, Kwara United secured a 2-0 win against Plateau United while Sunshine Stars are better than Lobi Stars.

Bayelsa United and Katsina United match ended 1-1 while El Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes saw the host secure a lone goal win.

RESULTS

NPFL

Elkanemi 1-0 Tornadoes

K’Pillars 2-2 Heartland

Abia War 1-1 Enyimba

Bayelsa 1-1 Katsina

Ikorodu 2-1 Shooting

Kwara 2-0 Plateau

Rangers 3-2 B’Insurance

Remo Stars 0-0 Rivers

Sunshine 1-0 Lobi