Like last weekend, Enyimba needed a late goal from Chukwumeka Obioma to beat rivals Enugu Rangers 1-0 in Nnewi on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes, at their adopted home ground, missed a host of chances before they were punished late on as Finidi George’s side made it two wins out of two league games this season; a fifth consecutive win under the 50-year-old and their first win at Rangers since 2015.
Defending champions Akwa United were pegged back late on by Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Striker Utibe Archibong had put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute through Seth Mayi’s sumptuous cross before substitute Ayo Adejubu scored in the 90th minute to deny Kennedy Boboye’s side all three precious away points.
In Jos, Mohammed Zulkifilu’s goal in the fifth minute was all Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Plateau United needed to edge visiting Kwara United, ending a run of two consecutive defeats at the hands of the Harmony Boys.
Paul Samson’s goal before the half-hour mark gave Abia Warriors the maximum points against Sunshine Stars in Okigwe.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars’ bright start to the season continued with a resounding 3-0 drubbing of Heartland in Ikenne. Andy Okpe scored twice in the opening five minutes before substitute Samuel Anakwe added a third in the second half to send the Sky Blue Stars top of the log.
Aniekan Ekpe’s penalty in first-half stoppage time and Musa Bashiru’s goal in the 84th minute handed MFM their first defeat in the topflight to Dakkada in Uyo. In addition, the Lagos side remain without a goal and are winless after two league games this season.
Ishaq Rafiu stole the show in PH with a remarkable performance in front of the home support as Rivers United strolled past Katsina United 3-0. The winger scored twice and turned provider for Chijioke Akuneto in the second half to hand Stanley Eguma’s side their first win of the season.
Nasarawa United could not consolidate on the point they picked in Owerri on matchday one as newly promoted Gombe United held them to a 1-1 draw in Lafia. Abdullahi Abubakar’s early second-half goal was canceled out by a late goal from the visitors’ Yusuf Abdulazeez.
In Bauchi, Abdullateef Balogun’s goal in the 40th minute gave Wikki Tourists the win over newly-promoted Niger Tornadoes while it was goalless in Kaduna between Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars as both sides remain without a win this season.
FULL Results
Enugu Rangers 0-1 Enyimba
Abia Warriors 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Dakkada 2-0 MFM
Kano Pillars 0-0 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United 1-1 Gombe United
Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
Remo Stars 3-0 Heartland
Rivers United 3-0 Katsina United
Shooting Stars 1-1 Akwa United
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
