NPFL: Remo Stars, Rivers United extend unbeaten run

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Matchday seven of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/22 season took centre stage on Wednesday.

In the North Central derby in Jos, Plateau United edged Nasarawa United 3-2. Midfielder Haggai Katoh handed the hosts the lead against his former side before Uche Ihuarulam leveled minutes before HT.

After the break, in-form forward Akila Jesse put his side back in front in the 50th minute before Mohammed Zulkifilu further increased the lead for the Peace Boys. Tochukwu Michael converted a spot-kick for the Solid Miners late on but it was not enough as Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side held on for a win.

Elsewhere in Lagos, MFM fell 3-1 to visiting Rivers United at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. First-half goals from Chijioke Akuneto and Ishaq Rafiu had given the visitors the comfortable lead at the break before Uche Onwuasonaya added a third, only for Tosin Olubobola to score a consolation goal for the Church boys six minutes from time. The result left MFM bottom of the log with just six points.

Abubakar Aliu’s 65th-minute goal was all Wikki Tourists needed to beat Dakkada in Benin and claim their first away win of the season. Meanwhile, Katsina United and Lobi Stars played out a goalless draw at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Resurgent Sunshine Stars defeated Gombe United 2-0 at the Ijebu Ode Stadium on Wednesday. Promise Orji handed the Owena Whales the lead in the fifth minute before Babatunde Bello struck a wonderful free-kick after the break to hand Deji Ayeni’s side their second win of the season.

Martins Usule’s second goal of the season and Munir Idris’ second-half goal condemned Shooting Stars to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Niger Tornadoes in Abuja.

League leaders Remo Stars narrowly beat Abia Warriors 1-0 at their home ground in Ikenne. It was a keenly contested affair that needed the intervention of mercurial midfielder Dayo Ojo to score the game’s only goal two minutes after the hour mark.

Kabir Balogun’s exquisite free-kick three minutes after the break handed all three points to Kwara United against Kano Pillars at the Kwara Sports Complex on Thursday. The result left Kano Pillars without a goal on their travels after four games and a point above the drop zone.

The Oriental derby between Heartland and Rangers will hold on Friday, while the final game of the matchday, Enyimba v Akwa United, will take place in Aba next Wednesday.

RESULTS
Katsina Utd 0-0 Lobi
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Gombe Utd
Tornadoes 2-0 3SC
MFM 1-3 Rivers Utd
Dakkada 0-1 Wikki
Plateau Utd 3-2 Nasarawa Utd
Kwara United 1-0 Kano Pillars
Remo Stars 1-0 Abia Warriors