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Rivers Utd Reclaim Summit of NPFL with Win Over Abia Warriors
Femi Solaja
Former champions, Rivers United, returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) log last night with a lone goal win at home against Abia Warriors.
It was a big relief for Coach Finidi George who had endured back-to-back losses and a goalless outing last week at Remo Stars in Ikenne.
But yesterday at home in Port Harcourt, it was Ndifreke Effiong who came from the bench to convert a 58th minute penalty to give the Pride of Rivers people this vital win that pushed them to 25 points from 13 games.
In Katsina, last year’s runners up, Remo Stars of Ikenne, failed to sustain the momentum at the top as they lost 2-0 to hosts, Katsina United, and dropped to second on the log on 23 points behind Rivers United.
After a goalless first half, Azeez Falolu secured the opening goal for the hosts in the 50th minute with a close drive that beats stand-in captain, Kayode Bankole in goal for Remo.
Dawi Boslam doubled the lead in the 68th minute and all efforts by the visitors to peg the score were checked by the hosts who were in firm control of the match. The win moved Katsina United to 12th on the log with 16 points.
In the other matches of Sunday evening, Plateau United spanked Nasarawa United 2-0. An own goal by Shina Kumater took the host into the lead in the 49th minute while Olawale Doyeni increased the tally in the 81st minute.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars returned to winning ways with a lone goal win against visiting Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Anthony Okachi’s 16th minute goal was the main attraction of the encounter which lifted the Oluyole Warriors to the ninth spot on the log with 18 points while Bayelsa United dropped a spot above the relegation zone at 16th position on 14 points.
In earlier games on Saturday, Bender Insurance of Benin City commenced their resurgence following a 3-1 win at home against Kwara United of Ilorin.
Insurance are 19th in the relegation waters on 12 points.
El Kanemi Warriors were lone goal better than visiting Akwa United.
The win pushed El Kanemi into third position while Akwa United on 12 points are 18th on the log.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke continued his resurgence with Heartland FC with a draw at home against defending champions, Enugu Rangers. The result dropped the Flying Antelopes to fifth spot on 20 points while the Owerri landlords maintain their 11th position with 17 points.
Lobi Stars and Kano Pillars shared points in a thrilling 2-2 scoreline in the weekend fixture. The hosts shot into the lead in the 7th minute through Ahmad Liman and Martin Ossy made it two in the 14th minute but veteran Kano Pillars midfielder, Rabiu Ali, reduced the scores in the 76th minute while Umar Shehu scored the equaliser in the 77th minute.
In Minna, Ikorodu City also continued their impressive run after a poor start as they forced hosts, Niger Tornadoes to a goalless draw.
RESULTS
Rivers Utd 1-0 Abia War
Katsina Utd 2-0 Remo
Plateau 2-0 Nasarawa
El Kanemi 1-0 Akwa Utd
Shooting 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
B’Insurance 3-1 Kwara Utd
Heartland 0-0 Rangers
Lobi Stars 2-2 Kano Pillars
Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City
