Shooting Stars midfielder Uko Aniete has hailed an “exciting” first half-season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as he helped the club to a narrow win over Nasarawa United on MatchDay 19 on Sunday.
The former Vandrezzer FC vice-captain is playing in his first season in Nigeria’s top flight, but his impeccable performances have made him a mainstay in Shooting Stars team so far this campaign.
“Personally, I feel great. It has been very exciting. The coach and my teammates have made it easy,” Aniete told www.npfl.ng.
Aniete netted a half volley in the 13th minute of the Matchday 19 encounter against Nasarawa United – his first goal in the NPFL – and that proved to be the game’s only goal. However, his influence in the team had been repeatedly felt in previous games as his five assists made him top the list of providers for Shooting Stars.
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“Football is a team game. My colleagues help me do whatever I do, and I also help them to achieve whatever goal they want to achieve. It is a collective thing”
“The coach also helps me a lot. My relationship with him has been great. And that is how he has been with my teammates as well. So, it is not surprising that I am playing very well and the team is also doing well,” Aniete said.
Having netted in the 13th minute, he came off injured on the half hour mark. Hence, the midfielder remained coy on his target for the second half of the season, and would rather focus on his fitness.
“I am enjoying my games at the moment. I do not want to set any personal targets yet. I am injured at the moment, but I hope to be back before the second half of the season starts,” he concluded.
The 1-0 victory earned Shooting Stars a climb to the ninth position on the log while Nasarawa United occupying the 14th position as both teams meet again, for the start of the second half of the season, in a fortnight.
NPFL 2021/22 Midseason Stats
Total No. of Matches Played: 190
Total No. of Matches Won: 128
Total No. of Matches Won Away: 21 away wins
Played 190 Total No. of Matches Drawn: 48
Total No. of Goals Scored: 361
Average Goals/Match: 1.9
Total No. of Goals Scored at Home: 260
Total No. of Goals Scored Away: 101
Total No. of Own Goals: 6
Total No. of Penalties Awarded: 38
Total No of Penalties Scored: 30
Total No of Penalties not Scored: 8
Highest Goal Scorer: Rafiu Ishaq (Rivers United) 11 Goals
Total No of Yellow Cards: 735
Total No of Red Cards: 24
Top of Table: Rivers United- 42points
Match Day 19 games in the ongoing 2021/2022 NPFL Season, with 42points
Best Attacking Team: Rivers United- 31 goals
Worst Defensive Team: Heartland & Dakkada (28 goals conceded)