MFM, FC Ifeanyi Ubah retain NPFL top positions

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) returned after the national elections with pulsating fixtures that produced 16 goals highlighted by Akwa United’s stunning 2-1 win away to Heartland, reports www.npfl.ng.

The match day 11 games saw MFM of Lagos and FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi retaining their positions at the top of pool A and B respectively following wins at home against Insurance of Benin and Kano Pillars, but Heartland failed to record a first win in four games.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men took the lead at the Agege Stadium on 39th minute, when Olawale Abiosoye headed home Jonathan Zikiye’s corner.
Again, Zikiye turned the provider on 58 minutes, when his free kick was turned in by Michael Ohanu to ensure MFM kept their place at the top irrespective of other results.

At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, goals from Abba Umaru and Ismaila Gaya helped struggling Wikki Tourists to a 2-0 win at home to visiting Rivers United of Port Harcourt.

Despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the second half, Katsina United managed a lone goal victory against Kwara United at home. Usman Usele got the only goal of the fixture on 13 minutes.

The games between Remo Stars and Rangers, as well as Niger Tornadoes against Lobi Stars were postponed, due to the former and latter’s involvement in the continent, while Enyimba and Sunshine Stars shared the spoils in Akure.

In Pool B, Mfon Udoh’s eight goal of the campaign helped Akwa United to a 2-1 win away to Heartland FC of Okigwe.

Udoh’s 72nd minute effort earned all three points for his side, despite Chidiebere Ajoku’s 57th minute screamer that had earlier cancelled Ndifreke Effiong’s 4th minute strike.

The win propels Akwa United to second on the log, two points adrift of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, who edged Kano Pillars by a lone goal courtesy of Uche Iharulam on 66 minutes in Nnewi.

Phillip Auta’s brace aided Yobe Desert Stars to a 2-0 win at home to visiting Go Round FC in Damaturu.

In Kaduna, Jabiru Samurai’s late penalty eroded Nasarawa United’s hope of sharing the spoils away to Kada City. Maigishiri Mohammed hand earlier put the visitors in front on 61 minutes, before But Mohammed restored parity ten minutes after.

Paul Sampson’s blistering free kick spared Abia Warrior’s blushes as they rallied late to secure a point at home to Plateau United. The visitors had earlier drawn the first blood through Oche Salefu on 51 minutes.

In Maiduguri, Elkanemi Warrior’s one-man advantage throughout the second half could not count, as Gombe United held them to a goalless draw.