#NPFL21: Pillars, Enyimba falter; Rivers Utd cruise

Nigeria Professional Football League (#NPFL21) title contenders Kano Pillars and Enyimba lost grounds in the title race after disappointing results in Wednesday’s Match Day 30 encounters.

Third placed Pillars were guests of MFM FC at the Soccer Temple, Agege Lagos and were beaten 2-1 by the Church Boys. Tosin Olubobola scored his first top flight goal before Adeyinka Najeem doubled the lead but Pillars captain Rabiu Ali’s stoppage time penalty, after he had earlier missed from the spot, made the scoreline more respectable.

In Aba, former Champions Enyimba faltered once again at home, barely grinding out a 1-1 draw against doomed Warri Wolves. Centre back David Chimezie gave Wolves a shock lead in the 72nd minute but captain Austin Oladapo levelled scores in the 78th minute.

Rivers United moved over Enyimba to 4th on the log ahead of their showdown on Sunday after a comfortable 3-1 win over Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Godwin Aguda opened the floodgate of goals in the 3rd minute from the penalty spot before the impressive Malachi Ohawume doubled the lead for Stanley Eguma’s United in the 33rd minute when he headed home Nelson Esor’s cross.

Ohawume then turned provider for strike partner Shedrach Oghali who scored Rivers’ third in the 56th minute before defender Andrew Ikefe netted a consolation for Abdu Maikaba’s Plateau in the 75th minute.

Imama Amapakabo’s return to Enugu did not end well as his Abia Warriors side lost 1-2 to Rangers International despite taking the lead in the game. Christian Nnaji and Kenechukwu Agu scored the goals for Rangers after Yakub Hammed had given Warriors the lead.

FC Ifeanyiubah ran out 3-0 winners over basement side Adamawa United in Wednesday’s relegation six-pointer in Nnewi while Jigawa Golden Stars lost at home 0-1 to Katsina United in Kaduna.

League leaders Akwa United will be in action on Thursday when they host 2nd placed Nasarawa United in a double header at the Nest of Champions which will also see Dakkada FC host Nasarawa United.


MD 30 FULL-TIME RESULTS

Rivers Utd 3-1 Plateau Utd

3′ Godwin Aguda
33′ Malachi Ohawume
56′ Shedrack Oghali

Enyimba FC 1-1 Warri Wolves

72′ David Chimezie (WOL)
78′ Austin Oladapo (ENY)

Ifeanyi Ubah 3-0 Adamawa Utd

14′ Ekene Awazie
49′ Nnoso Nzediegwu
79′ Abel James

MFM FC 2-1 Kano Pillars

17′ Tosin Olubola (MFM)
64′ Namji Adeyinka (MFM)
80’ Rabiu Ali (KAN) _p_
90+1 Rabiu Ali (KAN) _p_

Jigawa Golden Stars 0-1 Katsina Utd

32′ Joseph Atule

Rangers Int’l 2-1 Abia Warriors

43′ Hammed Yakub (ABI)
52′ Christian Nnaji (RAN)
90′ Kenechukwu AGU (RAN)

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Wikki Tourists
54′ Faud Ekeleojuti

Lobi Stars 3-0 Heartland FC
49′ Ossy Martins
61′ Monday Akile
90′ Ossy Martins