NPFL Wrap: Plateau back on top; Olawoyin dazzles again

Plateau United of Jos climbed back to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table on Sunday after an emphatic 5-0 win over Adamawa United on a day rising star Ibrahim Olawoyin continued to shine for Rangers International.

Plateau had been dislodged from the top of the table last midweek by Lobi Stars but after Gbenga Ogunbote’s men dropped points at home for the first time this season in their 0-0 draw against Dakkada on Sunday, Abdu Maikaba’s men overtook them on goals difference.

Top striker Ibrahim Mustapha scored twice for Plateau in Sunday’s win while enterprising midfielders Uche Onwuasonaya, Salefu Ochowechi and Abba Umar also got on the score sheet as they tore the hapless side into shreds.

In Enugu, Rangers made it three league wins consecutively as inspired by Olawoyin who opened the scoring for his side in their 3-1 win over Abia Warriors. The young winger showed incredible alertness to score a rebound after Charles Tambe had denied Chiamaka Madu. Olawoyin would then provide the assist for striker Ifeanyi George to complete his brace in the 69th minute.

Two goals in the final fifteen minutes saw Kano Pillars defeat Akwa United 2-0 in Kano with Rabiu Ali back among the goals while champions Enyimba slipped into the relegation zone after a 0-2 loss at FC Ifeanyiubah.

MATCH DAY 16 RESULTS

Wikki 2-1 MFM FC
Promise Damala 18’, Olushola Ajala 45+1’ – Izuchukwu Chimezie 47’

Kwara Utd 0-0 Sunshine Stars

Kano Pillars 2-0 Akwa Utd
Nyima Nwagua 76’, Rabiu Ali 79’

FC Ifeanyiubah 2-0 Enyimba
Uche Sebastine 37’ , Ikenna Cooper 66’

Plateau Utd 5-0 Adamawa Utd
Ibrahim Mustapha 18’, 40’ Oche Ochowechi 25’, Uche Onwuasoanya 65’, Abba Umar 90’

Rangers 3-1 Abia Warriors
Ibrahim Olawoyin 7’, Ifeanyi George 41’, 69’ – Lukman Bello 12’

Heartland 0-0 Katsina Utd

Lobi Stars 0-0 Dakkada