The Nigeria Professional Football League entered its second match day on boxing day with a total of 16 goals scored across ten match centres in the country.
Enyimba FC maintained their impressive start under new manager Finidi George following a 1-0 away win against Rangers while both Rivers and Remo Stars registered identical 3-0 victories over Katsina United and Heartland FC respectively in their home duels.
The remodelled Lekan Salami Stadium, playing host to its first major football clash after it was unveiled in September, received over 10,000 supporters as the Oluyole Warriors welcomed defending Champions Akwa United.
Utibe Archibong gave the Promise Keepers the lead but Ayo Adejubu who recently joined from Vandrezzer FC scored the equalizer in the last minute as football returned to Ibadan for the first time in four years.
The encounter between Nasarawa United and Gombe United also ended in a stalemate as both sides settled for a 1-1 draw.
Enyimba continued their perfect run under coach Finidi George as they snatched a 1-0 win against Rangers to win the Oriental Derby at the Ifeanyiubah Stadium, in Nnewi. The only goal of the match was scored by Emeka Ogbonna in the 89th minute.
Enyimba FC have now won all of their matches since the appointment of Finidi George, ‘The People’s Elephant’ are now on a five-game winning run across all competitions. They have also conceded just one goal in those matches.
Enyimba FC recorded their first away win in the NPFL against Rangers International FC since July 2015.
Kano Pillars’ poor start to the season continued on Sunday as they were held to a 0-0 home draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) Kaduna by Lobi Stars.
Stanley Eguma’s Rivers United recorded one of the biggest win of the day thrashing Katsina United 3-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Rafiu Kayode opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark and another one in the 57th minute to record a brace before Chijioke Akuneto sealed victory five minutes after with the third goal for the hosts.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars lost 1-0 to Abia Warriors in their away match with Paul Samson netting the only goal of the game in the 28th minute.
New boys Remo Stars defeated Heartland 3-0 at home. An Andy Okpe quickfire double in the 4th and 5th minute and a Samuel Anakwe’s 72nd minute goal gave Gbenga Ogunbote’s side maximum points in the game. Okpe has now scored three goals in two league games this season.
Plateau United earned their first win of the season thamks to a goal from Mohammad Zulkifilu for a 1-0 win over Kwara United.
Abdulateef Balogun scored the lone goal as Wikki Tourists pipped Niger Tornadoes at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars and MFM are the only sides yet to score a goal in the NPFL this season after matchday two.
MOLATsportgist 