Traditional teams Rangers International and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) moved to top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after securing crucial home wins, www.aclsports.com reports.
Coming at the back of defeats on the road in midweek matches, the fickle nature of the NPFL table in its early season state meant that Rangers home win over Heartland in Awka and the come-from-behind win recorded by 3SC over Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan put both sides joint top with 13 points apiece.
Kazeem Ogunleye gave Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Rangers an early lead in the much anticipated Oriental Derby when he netted in the second minute before Kenneth Igboke converted a rebound in the 57th minute after Heartland goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha had denied Godwin Obaje from the spot twice.
3SC had to produce an incredible second half performance after they were pegged back by Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan. Ayobami Adekunle gave Gbenga Ogunbote’s side the lead in the 17th minute but Chidiebere Ernest equalised for the visitors ten minutes before the break.
3SC however turned the game on its head in the second half when centre back Ayodeji Bamidele restored their lead seconds after the restart before his central defensive partner Gbolagade Adelowo extended to 3-1 on the hour mark. Ayinde Ademola completed the scoring for 3SC three minutes from time as the Oluyole Warriors join Rangers at the summit.
Reigning champions Enyimba edged Kwara United 1-0 in Aba courtesy of Chijioke Mbaoma’s 45th minute penalty as Finidi George’s men recorded a first win in four matches in all competions while Ismael Sarki’s first half strike gave Bendel Insurance a crucial 1-0 win over Remo Stars in Benin City.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United’s bogey side Sunshine Stars almost snatched a priceless three points away from the Garden City but in-form midfielder Alex Oyowah scored in the 95th minute to rescue a point for Stanley Eguma’s men after Osimaga Duke had given Sunshine a shock lead in the second half.
Doma United totally outclassed Gombe United in the Savannah Derby in Gombe, inflicting a 3-0 defeat on their city elders. Emmanuel Jesam scored twice after his namesake Emma Ekpenyong gave Doma the lead in the 50th minute as Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s Gombe were left dazed.
Akwa United’s poor start to the season continued as they were held 0-0 by Plateau United in Eket while Abia Warriors ran out 2-1 winners over Katsina United in Umuahia.
Two matches will hold on Monday; Bayelsa United will host Lobi Stars who will hope to overtake both Rangers and 3SC with a win while Sporting Lagos entertain Kano Pillars in Lagos.
NPFL MD 7 Results
Gombe Utd 0-3 Doma Utd
Rangers 2-0 Heartland
Abia Warriors 2-1 Katsina Utd
Rivers Utd 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Enyimba 1-0 Kwara Utd
3SC 4-1 Tornadoes
Akwa Utd 0-0 Plateau Utd
Insurance 1-0 Remo Stars
