MFM suffers third straight defeat, Onuwa breaks three-year jinx as Lobi Stars recorded their first win in 10 NPFL matches against Enyimba FC while Rivers United thrashed Heartland FC.
The 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 8 fixtures have seen eight of ten matches completed on Sunday and Monday with the other matches expected to go down on Wednesday.
Lobi Stars vs Enyimba FC
Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi on Sunday defeated visiting Enyimba International FC of Aba 1-0, thanks to former Enyimba player Chukwuka Onuwa’s lone goal in the 80th minute.
It was Onuwa’s first goal in three years. He last scored in 2019 against his former club MFM FC while in the colours of Enyimba. It was also Lobi Stars first win over the People’s Elephant since February 2017.
The People’s Elephant now has one win in their last five games under Finidi George.
Abia Warriors vs Dakkada FC
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Godwin Obaje scored from the penalty spot to help the Abia Warriors secured a 1-1 draw against visiting Dakkada FC. The visitors had gone in front in the 67th minute from a Yusuf Yusuf strike.
Kano Pillars vs MFM
MFM suffered third straight defeat after going down 1-0 at Kano Pillars. Yusuf Maigoro’s strike with five minutes left in the first half was enough to seal the win for the struggling Pillars.
Wikki Tourist vs Plateau United
In Bauchi, Plateau United missed the chance to close the gap on league leaders Remo Stars following their 2-1 loss to Wikki Tourists.
Salisu Adamu put the ball in his own net in the 23rd minute to gift Plateau the lead before Fuad Ekelojuoti goal control his teammates damage two minutes later. Substitute Anas Yusuf then scored a 64th-minute wonder goal to hand Wikki Tourists a 2-1 comeback.
Nasarawa United vs Katsina United
Shammasu Mohammed scored a 93rd-minute goal as Nasarawa United defeated Katsina United, as Bala Nikyu’s side earned another routine win in Lafia.
Akwa United vs Sunshine Stars
Defending champions Akwa United played out a goalless draw against Sunshine Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This is the first time ‘The Promise Keepers’ will be failing to score at home in a league match since May 2021, while Sunshine Stars stretch their unbeaten run this season to six.
Rivers United vs Heartland FC
Rivers United overcame Heartland FC 3-1 on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, to go top on the league table.
Morice Chukwu struck a beautiful freekick to opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes into the game.
Chijioke Akuneto doubled the lead in the 12th minute after receiving a beautiful assist from Ishaq Kayode who later scored from close range after Nyima Nwagua’s shot is blocked in the 52nd minute before Chukwudi Nwaodu pulls one back for the visitors in the 68th minute.
Heartland FC have now scored an away goal in the NPFL for the first time this season.
Ishaq Kayode with a goal and assist takes his tally to seven (7) goals and three (3) assists in eight matches. He has been involved in over 71% (10/14) of the goals scored by Rivers United in the 2021/22 NPFL.
Gombe United vs Niger Tornadoes
Yusuf Abdulazeez’s lone goal in the 11th minute gave Gombe United victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Pantami Stadium.
The match pulled one of the biggest crowd in the league this season with fans out to cheer and enjoy beautiful football.
In the 20th minute, the hosts were awarded penalty after Jacob John was adjudged to have fouled United player inside the box. Jimoh takes it and George Michael punches away.
Ahmadu Liman could have restored parity but his effort came off the bar.
Still To Come:
Remo Stars will be looking to extend their 8 games unbeaten run in the NPFL this season and return back to the top of the table when they visit Rangers FC on Wednesday at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan welcome Kwara United.
MOLATsportgist 