Lobi Stars FC defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to join Remo Stars at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table but reigning champions Enyimba are the biggest winners after their win away to Bayelsa United, www.aclsports.com wraps.
Match Day 16 hostilities were brought forward from weekend to Thursday and all eyes were on Owerri where league leaders Remo Stars travelled to face Heartland FC who seem to be in a managerial crisis after alleged government’s orders on the technical crew.
After a scoreless first half, Heartland went ahead in the contest through Promise Anyanwu who netted from the penalty spot five minutes after the break. Substitute Sikiru Alimi levelled matters for Remo in the 69th minute, heading home Ismaila Sadiq’s cross.
With the game seemingly heading for a stalemate, Heartland had other ideas. Substitute Onyekachi Okafor restored their lead in the 3rd minute of additional time before Chinedu Ike made sure with a long range effort.
Remo Stars’ result afforded Lobi Stars the opportunity to join them at the summit and the YES FATHER Boys obliged with a 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes in Lafia. Suur Kumaga’s long range effort fifteen minutes from time proved took Eugene Agagbe’s side past an obstinate Tornadoes side.
Enyimba had captain and goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo to thank for their second away win of the season against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. Enyimba went in front after the hour mark through substitute Ekene Awazie but United drew level in the 72nd minute through Israel Consul.
Enyimba’s topscorer this term Chijioke Mbaoma then scored from the penalty spot but it was Ojo that preserved the points with a penalty save, denying Robert Mizo from twelve yards.
Rangers International marked their return to the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu with a 2-0 win over eternal foes Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. Kalu Nweke and Chiedozie Okorie with the goals in either half as Fidelis Ilechukwu got one over a former Rangers coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Plateau United left it late to down Sporting Lagos 1-0 in Jos. Albert Hilary making the most of a Daniel Itodo long throw to break the resistance of Sporting goalkeeper Christian Nwoke. Katsina United also saw off Akwa United by the same score margin courtesy of Chidera Eze’s first half spot kick.
Abia Warriors quite easily saw off Gombe United 3-1 in Umuahia but the only stalemate of the match day came in Port Harcourt where Rivers United were held to a 1-1 draw by Bendel Insurance.
The away win recorded by Enyimba in Yenagoa meant that no team have won more away games than the People’s Elephant this season, tied on two apiece with Remo Stars.
Match Day 16 Results
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Doma United
Bayelsa Utd 1-2 Enyimba
Rangers 2-0 Shooting Stars
Rivers Utd 1-1 B. Insurance
Abia Warriors 3-1 Gombe Utd
Heartland 3-1 Remo Stars
Lobi Stars 1-0 Tornadoes
Plateau Utd 1-0 Sporting Lagos
Kano Pillars 2-1 Kwara United
Katsina Utd 1-0 Akwa United
