It was all thrilling moments as week nine matches of Nigeria Premier Football League, ”the NPFL”,took place across various centres in the country, over the weekend.
In Gombe, Doma United FC playing before their home fans at Pantami Township Stadium defeated visitors Plateau United by a goal to nil. Midfielder Andrew Majalisa scored the lone goal on the 22nd minutes, in a game Doma United head coach Akin Onigbinde said “was not an easy one for Doma United”. By this victory,the Savannah Tigers has extended their unbeaten run to five games, and now occupies the second position on the table.
In the other match played on Saturday, host Bendel Insurance settled for a two all draw with Kwara United. According to reports the Benin Arsenal came from behind twice to level up scores. The match played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, saw the visiting Afonja Warriors drew the first blood in the 14th minute with an opener from Sodiq Yusufu Ahmat, while Insurance Samuel Sodje responded in the 27th minute. Godwin Oshagbemi again restored the Ilorin team’s lead in the 39th minute. The Edo state flagbear had an imminent home defeat staring them in the face until the extra-time,when Ismael Seriki’s header in the 90+5 minutes salvaged the day.
On Sunday in Eket Township Stadium, Kwa United defeated Remo Stars 3-2, reports Complete Sports. Leading goal scorer, Sikiru Alimi opened the day for Remo Stars in the 15th minute, taking his goal tally to eighth in the current season. The host equalized eight minutes later through defensive midfielder Dare Ojo. Uche Collins and Rilwan Sadiq scored for the host in the 26th and 62nd minutes respectively. The visitors reduced the deficit through Aniekeme Okon,12 minutes from time.
Defending champion Enyimba FC ran away with a lone goal victory over league leaders Lobi Stars. At the Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan,Shooting Stars beat Kano Pillars one nil, through a goal netted by Kareem Ayinde.
One of Nigeria’s oldest football club and seven-time champions,Enugu Rangers shared the point with visiting Katsina United,the match ended 0-0.
New entrant to the NPFL,Sporting Lagos held visitors Heartland of Owerri to a 1-1 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena,Onikan. Chinedu Ike scored first for the Owerri team, while Jonathan Alukwu leveled up for the home side. Meanwhile,Heartland still remains the only club yet to win a match in the current season.
In Port-Harcourt, Alex Oyowah ,top scorer, gave his team Rivers United the opener from the spot against Abia Warriors. The second goal for the home side was an own goal by the visitor’s defender Ifeanyi Anaemena. He later scored the only goal for his side at 86th minutes.
Niger Tornadoes lost away to Gombe United, through a lone goal scored by Umar Abba in 13th minutes of the match.