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| Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu |
Akwa United put in a heroic display in Agege to ensure they snapped MFM’s 11-match winning streak at home.
MFM had a golden chance to take the lead on 32 minutes but NPFL top scorer Stephen Odey missed from the penalty spot after Kodjovi Dadzie handled the ball inside the box.
And in the 87th minute Akwa United were reduced to 10 men after Aremu Azeez was sent off for a second bookable offence.
MFM remain second on 34 points, two points off leaders Plateau United.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars suffered a heavy home defeat after they were spanked 3-0 by 10-men FC IfeanyiUbah. FC Ifeanyiubah produced the most stunning performance of the matchday. Godwin Obaje opened the scoring for FC IfeanyiUbah in the second minute before Pascal Seka doubled the visitors’ lead on 14 minutes. Shooting Stars had the chance to reduce the deficit but Ikechukwu Ezenwa is not showered with adulations as one of the best goalkeepers in the NPFL for nothing and he duly earned his stripes by saving Abayomi Adebayo’s spot kick in the 25th minute.
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| Shooting Stars Players |
FC Ifeanyibuah were reduced to 10 men with 18 minutes remaining after Bright Onyedikachi picked up a second booking for dissent. The visitors however refused to cower in submission as Osanga provided the coup de grace with three minutes remaining to set off furious celebrations amongst the travelling supporters.
Plateau United claimed an important point as they drew 1-1 away to Katsina United on Sunday to remain at the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Chinedu Udechukwu has been in fearsome goalscoring form for Katsina United this season and he netted in the fourth minute to give the hosts the perfect start at the Karkanda Stadium.
Plateau United are however made of stern stuff and were back on level terms in the 59th minute when Daniel Itodo struck following good work by Phillip Azango.
The Jos club thus retain top spot with 36 points from 20 matches with second-placed MFM FC failing in their quest to leapfrog Keneddy Boboye’s charges following a 0-0 draw at home to Akwa United.
Champions, Enugu Rangers left it late to beat Gombe United 2-1 in Enugu, coming from a goal down to claim maximum points at the death.
Abdulwaheed Afolabi netted for the visitors in the 11th minute to silence the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium but the champions were to stir from hibernation soon after.
Aguda Godwin Wanbe headed home the equalizer on the stroke of half time even more drama was to unfold late on.
Ebuka Okeke netted in emphatic fashion in the fourth minute of second half added time to send the home faithful into fits of hysteria as the champions continued their ascent on the log.
In Ilorin, ABS beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 thanks to goals from Kehinde Ayinde in the 14th minute and Anaekwe Ebuka.
Ebuka scored the winner for the hosts in the 70th minute following a positive run that culminated in an unstoppable effort that nestled in the corner.
Lobi Stars also claimed important scalp on the road as Kingsley Eduwo’s 15th minute strike handed all three points to the Makurdi club in their encounter with Sunshine Stars in Akure.
Junior Lokosa scored for four-time champions, Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, heading home Idris Aloma’s cross to condemn Niger Tornadoes to a 1-0 defeat.
Chukwudi Samuel was among the goals as Wikki Tourists won their 51st consecutive home match in the NPFL, 3-0 against Abia Warriors in Bauchi.
Ugochukwu Leonard plundered the winner for seven-time champions, Enyimba as they overcame Remo Stars 1-0 in Sagamu.
It was an exciting day in the league with three away victories, two draws and 18 goals recorded.
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