It was a loaded day in the Nigerian Professional Football League, with action across the country. 2016 champions, Rangers International of Enugu put aside a run of two losses to record their first win of the season.
The Flying Antelopes defeated regional rival, Heartland, 1-0 in the Oriental derby played in Owerri.
The battle for Three Points ……… Christian Madu in a gritty battle against Heartland player pic.twitter.com/tLRtlOfORS
— Rangers Int. FC (@RangersIntFC) January 21, 2018
Bright Silas scored the only goal of the game in the 10th minute to hand the Enugu based side a hard-earned win, ending the club’s run of three consecutive games without a win, stretching back to last season.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors proved too strong for champions, Plateau United, who they defeated 1-0.
The goal came through Obi Samson in the third minute, as the boys from Abia state claimed their second win of the season.
Rivers United had the last laugh in Port Harcourt, where they defeated Kano Pillars for the first time in three attempts.
56' GOAL. Rivers 2-1 Pillars #RIVPIL #NPFL18. Guy Keumian restores Rivers' lead. Assist by Oche Salefu.
— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) January 21, 2018
Bambi Bakari put the home side ahead in the 19th minute, before Junior Lokosa equalised for the Kano giants.
Guy Kuemian scored the winning goal just before the hour mark, with Rivers holding on for a deserved win and three points.
It’s now two wins in two home games for Stanley Eguma’s side, who struggled throughout last season.
In terms of the league table, Lobi Stars are on top, after their 1-0 win against Go Round FC, while a 2-0 home win against newly promoted side, Yobe Stars, moved Aiteo Cup holders, Akwa United, up top second.
The top four is completed by Ifeanyi Ubah and El-Kanemi Warriors, who occupy third and fourth respectively.
At the other side of the table, MFM, Heartland, Enyimba, and Kwara United, who are rooted to the bottom of the table, after a third consecutive loss sees them pointless, are the teams already fighting relegation.
Full Results
Katsina Utd 2-0 Enyimba
Nasarawa Utd 2-0 S. Stars
Rivers Utd 2-1 K. Pillars
A. Warriors 1-0 Plateau Utd
El-Kanemi 3-1 MFM
FCIU 2-0 Kwara Utd
Wikki 1-0 Tornadoes
Akwa Utd 2-0 Yobe Stars
Lobi 1-0 Go Round
Heartland 0-1 Rangers
