Defending champions Akwa United could not find a way past visiting Sunshine Stars in Uyo as matchday eight of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/22 season took centre stage on Sunday.
The Promise Keepers were not at their best in the game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as Deji Ayeni’s well-drilled Owena Whales kept them at bay for the entire duration of the contest. This is the first time Akwa United will be failing to score at home in a league match since May 2021, while Sunshine Stars stretch their unbeaten run this season to six.
Former Enyimba midfielder Chukwuka Onuwa’s goal in the 79th minute handed Lobi Stars the win against Finidi George’s Enyimba in Makurdi. The defeat leaves Enyimba with just a win from their past five league games.
Similarly, Nasarawa United edged Katsina United by a solitary goal. Shammasu Mohammed’s late goal gave Bala Nikyu’s side another routine win in Lafia. Dakkada, for the second season in a row, left Okigwe Stadium with at least a point after playing out a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors. Yusuf Yusuf’s opener for the visitors was canceled out by Godwin Obaje’s penalty.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists inflicted a fourth successive away loss on Plateau United after claiming a 2-1 win. Salisu Adamu turned the ball into his own net to hand the visitors the lead before Fuad Ekelojuoti restored parity just two minutes later. Four minutes after the hour mark, Anas Yusuf fired home to complete the comeback win for Kabiru Dogo’s side.
MFM, despite the obvious changes in personnel, slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kano Pillars in Kaduna. Yusuf Maigoro scored the only goal of the game two minutes before halftime. The defeat leaves the Church Boys bottom of the log with six points, while Sai Masu Gida are up to 12th with 10pts.
RESULTS
Sunday
Kano Pillars 1-0 MFM
Akwa United 0-0 Sunshine Stars
Abia Warriors 1-1 Dakkada
Lobi Stars 1-0 Enyimba
Nasarawa United 1-0 Katsina United
Wikki Tourists 2-1 Plateau United
REMAINING FIXTURES
Monday
Gombe United v Niger Tornadoes
Rivers United v Heartland
Wednesday
Shooting Stars v Kwara United
Enugu Rangers v Remo Stars
