The match day 25 of the NPFL was yet another fixtures filled up with twists and turns. Teams in their usual way launched their aces in to the game in search for the maximum points.
For some,It was a battle to get lifeline and escape relegation. And while others sought to move closer to their title bid, some teams also fought to build comfort for themselves.
With more 13 games on the card, excluding some outstanding matches, the league is now beginning to take decisive shape and the results of the matches on Sunday tells a lot of how teams have improved in their respective missions.
Kano Pillars 2-1 Enyimba FC
The only game which appeared on the screen saw Kano Pillars FC who are unaraguably the giant of the North tackling the most capped Nigeria team in the continental affairs; Enyimba FC at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Enyimba took the lead through Victor Mbaoma’s strike in the 8th minutes before Kano Pillars’resurgence in the second half saw Rabiu Ali cancelling the visitor’s advantage from the spot kick seven minutes after the kick off and Ifeanyi Eze striking the winner later for the ‘Sa Mai Sugida’ in the game.
Plateau United 2-0 Adamawa United
Somewhere in Yola, Plateau United got the biggest win of the day with their 2 nil victory over Adamawa United away from home with Abubakar Ibrahim and Muhammed Zulkifilu putting their name on the score sheet for the Jos based side.
Abia Warriors 1-1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Another tough game was the spectacle between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Abia Warriors.
Abia Warrior’s Chukwuma Obioma goal in the 25th minutes cancelled the advantage the visiting FC Ifeanyi Ubah secured 10 minutes earlier through Patrick Egeonu.
Katsina United 2- 1 Nasarawa United
In another twist, Nasarawa United lost their seat in third position after the 2-1 defeat to Katsina United at Muhammed Dikko Stadium on Sunday.
Kwara United 3-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
In Ilorin, Kwara United returned back to winning ways after three winless games as they secured a 3-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars- thus bringing them back on track in their pursuit for continental ticket.
Wasiu Alalade got his first brace of the season in the game after Afeez Nosiru’s masterclass shot from 25 yard had wet the ground for the Harmony Boys.
Wikki Tourist 2-2 Akwa United
Stephen Gopey of Wikki Tourist struck brace as Akwa United forced the homeside to a 2-2 draw on the road. Akwa United are now second-placed on the table with 44 points, just some four points away from the leader of the table; Kano Pillars.
Warri Wolves 2-1 Sunshine Stars
Fuad Ekelojuoti in the 90th minutes got the consolation for the Owena Waves as Sunshine Stars lost 2-1 away from home to Warri Wolves in the first task of Coach Deji Ayeni who joined Sunshine Stars last week.
The result of the game has further cast a big doubt on how the ‘financially unstable’ Sunshine would escape relegation as they currently seats 19th on the table with 21 points.
Dakkada 0-1 Lobi Stars
Coach Kabiru Dogo led Lobi Stars like Plateau United also recorded a three maximum points on the road. John Lazarus was the hero for the Makurdi side as they defeated Dakkada FC at the ‘Nest of Champions’ in Uyo.
Rangers 1-1 MFM FC
At ‘football cathedral’ in Enugu, It was a 1-1 draw between MFM FC and Rangers International.
MFM FC with the draw has continued their impressive run of five matches unbeaten- thus forming a massive change of trend from their earlier relegation threatened zone.
Heartland 2-2 Rivers United
Like many other games, It was also a tense-soaked encounter between Heartland FC and Rivers United. Shedrack Oghali scored a brace for Rivers United in the game against Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu led side.
Teams will also be squaring up against each other in the mid week fixtures of the NPFL when the league enters match day 26.
