Abia derby ends goalless, Plateau United maintain lead

The much-anticipated first leg of the Abia derby between Abia Warriors and Enyimba ended in a goalless draw on a day Lobi Stars found their scoring boots to hit ABS 3-0.

The Match Day Four clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium, home of Abia Warriors, was promoted as a potentially highly entertaining game and true to predictions, fans at the arena had many reasons to bless their decision to attend the game.

Both teams created goal-scoring chances, but the strikers, notably Abia Warriors’ Godwin Zaki and Ifeanyi Anaemena of Enyimba, were profligate in front of goal.

In Gombe, Plateau United held homers, Gombe United, to a goalless draw, which was enough to keep them on top of the league ladder for another four days.

Plateau United are on nine points from four matches, two higher than second placed Rivers United, which also managed a draw in Nnewi against FC Ifeanyiubah.

Enugu Rangers also held Akwa United to a goalless draw in Uyo, but Lobi Stars were ruthless in their game against ABS of Ilorin, beating the Abubakar Saraki boys 3-0.

Lobi Star lost 0-4 to MFM in Lagos at the weekend, but the Godwin Uwua-led side came good yesterday in front of their home fans.

Kingsley Eduwo put the Makurdi side one goal up in the first half, scored his second on the dot of 90 minutes, before Nwangwa Nyima made it 3-0 in stoppage time.

Remo Stars fell 1-3 to Nasarawa United in Lafia with Abdulrahman Bashir, Douglas Achiv and captain Emmanuel Makama on the score sheet. Awoyemi Abiodun scored Remo Stars’ lone goal.

In Akure, an 82nd penalty converted by Sikiru Alimi gave Sunshine Stars a 1-0 defeat of Kano Pillars, while 3SC relied on a late penalty to hold MFM to a 1-1 draw in Ibadan.

Maiduguri side, El-Kanemi Warriors beat Katsina United 1-0, with substitute Sunday Anthony the hero of the lone goal in stoppage time, just as Niger Tornadoes have Chidiebere Ajoku’s two goals to thank for their 2-0 defeat of Wikki Tourists in Lokoja. It is Tornadoes first win of the season.