Continental hopefuls, Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors, won on the road on match day 17 of the current Nigeria Premier Football League campaign to give a huge boost to their chances on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Ibadan-based Shooting Stars defeated Barau FC 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano to claim just their second win on the road this season. Striker Sodiq Ibrahm, who later went off injured, got the game’s only goal for the Oluyole Warriors in the ninth minute. Despite constant threats from the home side, Nurudeen Aweroro’s men fought hard to hold onto the lead and eventually secure the win.
The win kept Shooting Stars in seventh spot with 26 points after 17 matches. They will now return to Ibadan to face Niger Tornadoes in their next league outing on Sunday.
As for Abia Warriors, they edged Kun Khalifat 1-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Suraj Lawal, who rescued a point in stoppage time for Imama Amapakabo’s side last time out, scored in the 83rd minute to help his side claim all three points on his return to the ground. With the win, the Umuahia side are placed 4th on the log with 27 points, and two games before the mid-season break.
In other centres, it finished goalless between Plateau United and Nasarawa United in Jos. Similarly, it ended goalless between Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars in Ozoro. It is the first time Sai Masu Gida have taken a point on the road this season.
It was comfortable home wins for Niger Tornadoes, Bayelsa United and Enyimba against Elkanemi Warriors, Remo Stars and Kwara United, respectively. Azeez Akintunde and a brace from substitute Rickson Mendos helped Tornadoes to another routine win at home in Minna.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United came from behind to beat the defending champions 2-1. Victor Mbaoma put the visitors ahead before goals from Fabby Clark and Emo James turned the game around for the hosts. A goal from Samuel Agu and a brace from Chidera Michael helped Enyimba beat Kwara United 3-1 in Aba. In-form Toyeeb Gidado scored United’s lone goal.
The remaining action of match day 17 will be completed on Monday when Ikorodu City host Katsina United in Lagos, and Rivers United welcome Wikki Tourists to Port Harcourt.
