NPFL Review: Wikki Back On Top, Pillars Thrash Lobi, 3SC Edge Nasarawa
Wikki Tourists moved back to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League after securing a hard-fought 1-1 away draw against Warri Wolves on Sunday. The Bauchi-based side were toppled at the top on Friday by Enugu Rangers who beat Oriental neighbours Abia Warriors 2-1. But a late Idris Guda strike against 10-man Warri Wolves, who scored the opening goal in the encounter through Achibi Ewenike on 32 minutes, ensured Wikki returned to the top of the table on goal difference. Both Wikki Tourists and Rangers now have 43 points each. In Port Harcourt, Rivers United maintained the third position in the table following a 1-0 win against Niger Tornadoes with Bernard Ovoke scoring the winner in the 23rd minute. Gabriel Wassa missed a penalty for the visitors in the 34th minute, denying his side the opportunity to earn a share of the spoils. Kano Pillars moved to the fourth position after a comfortable 3-0 home win against Lobi Stars The Pyramid City side raced into an early lead with Adamu Mohammed grabbing the opener on 58 seconds. Pillars doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty after Amos Gyang was brought down in the box. The Sai Masu Gida scored the third through Jamiu Alimi who scored in the 74th minute after combining with Gambo Mohammed. It was Alimi’s first goal for the club. At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, hosts Shooting Stars rallied back from a goal down to beat Nasarawa United 2-1. Abdulrahman Bashir stunned the home fans with a fine finish in the 18th minute. 3SC however rallied back with Promise Ebiaku scoring the leveller from the spot a minute after the hour mark following a foul on Ibrahim Salawu. Izu Josephn send the home fans into wild jubilations after netting the winner in added time. Ikorodu United and FC IfeanyiUbah ended their fixture at the Onikan Stadium in a 1-1 draw. The visitors took the lead through Ismaila Gata in the 23rd minute. It was Gata’s 11th goal of the campaign. Paul Duke restored parity in the game after nodding home Kabir Balogun’s free kick in the 56th minute. The Oga Boys are yet to win a game in the NPFL under Dutch coach Theo de Jong. Plateau United were also held to a 1-1 draw at home by Akwa United. Kelechi John who has just been invited to the NPFL All Stars squad put the home side ahead in the 52nd minute, while Ubong Friday levelled for the Promise Keepers 15 minutes from time.
MATCHDAY 26 RESULTS Kano Pillars 3 V 0 Lobi Stars Shooting Stars 2 V 1 Nasarawa United Ikorodu United 1 V 1 FC IfeanyiUbah Rivers United 1 V 0 Tornadoes Warri Wolves 1 V 1 Wikki Tourists Rangers 2 V 1 Abia Warriors Heartland 1 V 0 Enyimba El-Kanemi 3 V 1 MFM FC Plateau United 1 V 1 Akwa United
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