Defender Ifeanyi Anaemena scored twice to give Enyimba a 3-1 win over Rangers International in the pick of Sunday’s action in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) while Akwa United edged Nasarawa United in Uyo to stay top of Group B.
Enyimba’s Anaemena scored the first and last goals in the Oriental Derby which had Godwin Aguda scoring what turned out to be a consolation for Gbenga Ogunbote’s side as they suffered three defeats on the bounce in Group A.
MFM FC closed the gap on the top two with a 1-0 win over Rivers United in Lagos. Chijioke Akuneto’s early penalty sealed the deal for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side who ended a run of five matches without victory in the league.
Also in Group A, Tasiu Lawal scored twice as Katsina United edged a five-goal thriller against relegation candidates Remo Stars, beating them 3-2 in Katsina while Sunshine Stars beat Wikki Tourists 2-1 in Akure.
In Group B, all goals were scored in the first half as Akwa United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Nest of Champions. Mfon Udoh’s spot kick, his ninth goal of the season and Etboy Akpan’s effort earned Rafael Everton’s men the win.
All other games in Group B on Sunday ended in home wins. Second position side FC Ifeanyiubah beat Delta Force 2-1 with Uche Ihuarulam on target once again, Heartland spanked Yobe Desert Stars 2-0, Yusuf Azeez scored in Gombe United’s priceless 1-0 win over Abia Warriors while Alassan Ibrahim’s first half strike gave Kano Pillars a 1-0 win over Plateau United.
On Saturday, Bendel Insurance were held 0-0 by Niger Tornadoes in Benin while Go Round FC dared the Lion in a 2-2 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.
The next round of matches will come up on Wednesday.
RESULTS
Group A
Sunshine Stars 2-1 Wikki Tourists
MFM 1-0 Rivers Utd
Enyimba 3-1 Rangers
Kwara Utd 0-0 Lobi Stars
Katsina Utd 3-2 Remo Stars
Group B
Heartland 2-0 Yobe Stars
Akwa Utd 2-1 Nasarawa Utd
Kano Pillars 1-0 Plateau Utd
FC Ifeanyiubah 2-1 Delta Stars
Gombe Utd 1-0 Abia Warriors
