NPFL Matchday 6, sees newly promoted Remo Stars maintaining their title chase, while Heartland, Lobi, Dakkada and Katsina Utd, drop.
Remo Stars of Ikenne emphasised their title claims in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after a 2-1 win in Bauchi, their second win away from home in three attempts. this season.
Elsewhere in Jos and Port Harcourt, Plateau United and Rivers United secured big wins at home in a Matchday that produced 24 goals, eight wins, and two draws.
Gbenga Ogunbote since arriving at Remo Stars began his career at Ikenne with a win on MatchDay 1 against MFM at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium but his squad was still rated as underdogs, having just gained promotion to the top flight from the National League. The narrative seems to be changing, with the Ikenne side securing a second win from two games away from home.
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Pillars secure first win; Remo Stars, Rivers United stay unbeaten
Dayo Ojo had given Remo Stars the lead inside eleven minutes in Bauchi, but Wikki Tourists leveled terms on 63 minutes. Salisu Adamu restored Remo’s advantage in the 74th minute to seal an impressive outing for the visitors.
Rivers United moved back to the second spot on the log with a convincing 3-0 at home to Kwara United. Former Kano Pillars forward Nyima Nwagua had put the Port Harcourt side in front on 32 minutes when he latched onto a clever pass from Ishaq Rafiu. The Pride of Rivers doubled their advantage through a penalty converted by Rafiu six minutes after the break. Eguma’s men capped a brilliant afternoon with a third from Chidiebube Duru on 53 minutes.
Anthony Sunday scored twice as Plateau United trashed Dakkada FC 5-0 in Jos. Muhammed Zulkilifu, Akila Jesse, and Albert Hilary secured the other goals for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.
In Nnewi, Tope Olusesi and Ossy Martins got the goals, as the Flying Antelopes edged MFM of Lagos 2-0. Innocent Gabriel’s effort gave Abia Warriors an edge over Heartland FC in Okigwe, a city 61km away from the newly adopted home ground of Rangers International FC.
The South West derby produced some breathtaking moments as Sunshine Stars held Shooting Stars to a 2-2 draw in Ibadan. Gafar Olafimihan had given the home side the lead in the 22nd minute from a penalty before Anthony Anike headed in the equalizer on 40 minutes. Substitute Nwogbada Ebonam handed the visitors the advantage just after the hour mark, while Wasiu Alalade salvaged the point for the Oluyole Warriors in the 73rd minute.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, Uche Ihuuralam (25′) and Aliyu Abdulahi (72′) aided Nasarawa United to a 2-1 win against visiting Lobi Stars. The visitors had drawn level just after the break, through Onyebuchi Onyeka but had Adam Olamilekan sent off in the 74th minute for headbutting Paul Odeh.
Eight time champions, Enyimba FC of Aba, secured a crucial point away at Gombe United to move to fifth place on the log, four points adrift of leaders Remo Stars.
In the game played on Saturday, Charles Okafor and Ubong Friday garnished Akwa United to a 2-0 win at home to Katsina United. It was a relief for the reigning champions, who secured their first win in three after successive defeats to Nasarawa United (MD 4) and Lobi Stars (MD 5).
Matchday 6 Results
Akwa Utd 2-0 Katsina Utd
Gombe 0-0 Enyimba
Shooting 2-2 Sunshine
Kano Pillars 1-0 Tornadoes
Rivers Utd 3-0 Kwara Utd
Rangers 2-0 MFM
Abia Warriors 1-0 Heartland
Wikki Tourists 1-2 Remo Stars
Plateau Utd 5-0 Dakkada
Nasarawa 2-1 Lobi Stars