The early season woes of 2016 champions Rangers International continued when they lost 0-2 at home to Akwa Starlets in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 5 games decided on Sunday.
Togolese star Femi Ajayi and in-form midfielder Isaac George scored both goals for Starlets in a game watched by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu, a result which meant Rangers lose successive home games after a 0-1 loss to MFM last time around.
League leaders Plateau United continued their unbelievable start to the season with an emphatic 3-1 win away to Delta Force in Asaba. Abdu Maikaba’s men came from a goal down to secure their second away win of the season with midfielder Michael Ibe and striker Ibrahim Mustapha on the scoresheet.
In nearby Warri, newly promoted Warri Wolves were also beaten at home by Rivers United of Port Harcourt. Stephen Gopey headed home his first United goal in the 38th minute to give Stanley Eguma’s side their first away win of the season.
Both Kano Pillars and Akwa United remained winless after Match Day 5 with Pillars yet to score in their first four games. Pillars were held 0-0 by Wikki Tourists at the Sani Abacha Stadium to pile more pressure on embattled head coach Ibrahim Musa Jugunu.
In Uyo, head coach John Obuh is also living on the edge as his Akwa United side were held 1-1 by equally winless Nasarawa United. There were home wins for Abia state teams Abia Warriors and champions Enyimba, with striker Victor Mbaoma scoring both goals in the latter’s 2-0 win over Adamawa United.
Next round of matches will hold next Sunday.
Full Results
Delta Force 1-3 Plateau Utd
Kano Pillars 0-0 Wikki
Heartland 1-0 Jigawa GS
FC Ifeanyiubah 0-0 Lobi
Rangers 0-2 Akwa Starlets
Wolves 0-1 Rivers Utd
Abia Warriors 1-0 MFM
Enyimba 2-0 Adamawa Utd
Katsina Utd 2-0 Sunshine Stars
Akwa Utd 1-1 Nasarawa
