Matchday five of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL) season was held on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th January 2022 across ten match centres in the country.
League debutants, Remo Stars remain unbeaten and seat top of the log, while defending Champions Akwa United suffered another defeat as Enyimba FC gets back to winning ways and Kano Pillars slow start to the season continues.
Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United
It was a barren draw between Niger Tornadoes and River United at the Kwara State stadium complex Ilorin on Saturday in the early kickoff of the NPFL Matchday five fixtures.
River United went temporarily top of the table for the first time since February 2021, on Saturday, pending Remo Stars game against Plateau United which comes up on Sunday.
Remo Stars vs Plateau United
Remo Stars are back on the top of Nigeria’s Professional Football League, after beating visiting Plateau United 1-0 in Ikenne, thanks to Samuel Anakwe’s 55th minute header.
The league debutants remain unbeaten with three wins and two draws. The Sky Blues are now two points above Rivers United.
Kwara United vs Rangers
Kwara United and Rangers could not be separated at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin as they played a 1-1 draw.
Samuel Chisom opened the scoring for the Afonja Warriors before Ossy Martins equalised for the Flying Antelopes early in the second half.
Christopher Nwaeze missed a penalty for Kwara United in the 67th minute, his first miss since joining the team in 2019. He had converted all of the last five penalty kicks before today.
Both sides have eight points apiece and occupy fourth and fifth place on the NPFL log.
Enyimba FC vs Shooting Stars
Enyimba who suffered back-to-back defeats to Rivers United and Kano Pillars, returned to winning ways after edging visiting Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1-0, thanks to Emmanuel Godwin who converted Wasiu Mahmud’s cross in the 87th minute.
The People’s Elephant saw captain Austin Oladapo return from a six-month ban and are now seating third with nine points from five games.
Heartland FC vs Wikki Tourist
In Owerri, Chukwudi Nwaodu’s first-half penalty for Heartland was the difference between the Naze Millionaires and Wikki Tourist, which enables them move up to 9th place with one point ahead of Wikki tourist.
Sunshine Stars vs Kano Pillars
Struggle continues for four-time winners of the NPFL, Kano Pillars as they were stunned by Sunshine Stars in a statement 3-0 at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Second half goals from Kamaru Adebari, Michael Olulasi and Babatunde Bello in the space of ten minutes sealed the deal for the Owena Whales as they picked up their first win of the season.
The Sai Masu Gida with their third defeat of the season, returned to the bottom of the table.
Lobi Stars vs Akwa United
NPFL Champions Akwa United suffered back-to-back defeat as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away at Lobi Stars.
Saidu Mubarak scored the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute to move the Benue-based side to sixth on the log, one place above Akwa United.
MFM vs Abia Warriors
In Lagos, MFM edged Abia Warriors 2-1, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Muyiwa Balogun broke the deadlock in the first-half before substitute Oladayo Alabi handed MFM a two-goal lead with an exquisite free-kick. Godwin Obaje pulled one back for the Umuahia Landlords in the 84th minute, but the Olukoya Boys held on for their second win of the season.
Dakkada FC vs Nasarawa United
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Dakkada FC defeated Nasarawa United 2-1, days after they were banished from Uyo.
Just three minutes into the game, Veteran Aniekan Ekpe – who was later sent off in the second half– gave the Uyo-side the lead from the spot before Michael Tochukwu equalised for Nasarawa United in the 30th minute.
Silas Nwankwo saw his penalty saved by Loveday Anugbuo in the 53rd minute before Emmanuel Ayaosi scored a brilliant solo goal in the 90th minute to seal the points for Dakkada at their adopted home, and end the Solid Miners’ unbeaten run.
Kastina United vs Gombe United
Katsina United came from behind to defeat newly-promoted Gombe United 2-1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring for Gombe United just before half-time, but Madaki Alkali Dauda scored twice in the second half for a great comeback. He equalised for the Changi Boys just two minutes after the restart and scored an outrageous direct corner-kick in the 93rd minute of the game to fire the hosts up to 13th on the log.
MOLATsportgist 