2018 NPFL Matchday 9 Review

It was goals galore across the NPFL on Matchday 9 but the tragic death of Kano Pillars defender, Chinedu Udoji, after their 1-1 draw with Enyimba is a tough one to swallow.

The biggest clash of the Matchday was in Kano. Junior Lokosa scored his 8th goal of the season in the 36th minute but Emma Anyanwu’s back pass found his net to pull Enyimba level 4 minutes later. The Nigerian El Clasico ended 1-1 in Kano. Who would have known that it was Chinedu Udoji’s last football match on earth? After visiting his former teammates, he was involved in a motor accident. Now his watch is over. The NPFL mourns – he was a symbol. Enyimba mourns – he was their captain for 5 years and won 4 trophies with them. Kano Pillars mourns – he was their leader. RIP Chinedu Udoji.

What would have been the headline for the weekend was Kwara United’s comeback in Lafia. The Ilorin based side were 3-1 down in the 84th minute. Seun Sogbeso gave Nasarawa United the lead in the 20th minute from the penalty spot. Alfred Stephen equalized in the 64th minute before a brace from Nojeem Olukokun in the 73rd and 84th minute looked to have secured 3 points for the home side. Stephen Alfred pulled Kwara United back in the 86th minute to make it 3-2 before Michael Ohanu scored his first NPFL goal in the 91st minute to level scores at 3-3. Epic!!!

In Owerri, Wikki Tourists scored their first league goal against Heartland for the first time since 2012 but they were outdone by Nnamdi Egbujor’s brace. Abubukar Umar stunned the host in the 10th minute before Nnamdi Egbujor pulled Heartland back in the 16th minute. The Naze millionaires left it late in the 98th minute before Nnamdi Egbujor grabbed the winner.

Abia Warriors scored three goals in 29 minutes to see off Yobe Desert Stars 3-1 in Umuahia. Obi Samson’s goal was sandwiched between Ndifreke Effiong’s brace. El-Kanemi Warriors left it late against Go Round FC and needed Nura Mohammed’s first league goal to earn three points. Bello Kofarmata put the Maiduguri based side ahead in the 37th minute but Okon Otop equalized for Go Round in the 44th minute. Samuel Mathias had the opportunity to put El-kanemi Warriors ahead in the 65th minute but he missed his penalty. Nura converted from the spot in the 85th minute to secure three points for El-kanemi.

In Katsina, FC IfeanyiUbah were beaten 3-0 by Katsina United with goals from Eric Dufegha, Tasiu Lawal and Destiny Ashadi. Usman Barau assisted the first two goals. Rivers United were 2-0 winners over Niger Tornadoes with a goal and assist for Chikere Osita. He scored in the 16th minute before Emeka Ogbugh converted a 28th minute free kick after Osita was fouled close to the box.

The 2-0 defeat moved Niger Tornadoes to the bottom of the table, just below Sunshine Stars on goal difference. Sunshine Stars find themselves in the relegation zone after the LMC chalked off three points from the cumulative for the assault on the match official in their 0-0 draw against Kano Pillars on Matchday 8. They are also expected to part ways with 1.5million Naira. More points will be deducted if there are any related issues again this season. Other clubs will sit up.

Matches involving Plateau United, MFM FC and Akwa United have been postponed to February 28 due to their continental engagement.

ICYMI: Heartland, Yobe Desert Stars, Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes will need to upgrade their playing surfaces or risk playing their home games in different venues after Matchday 10. The LMC read the riot act against the pitches in Owerri, Damaturu, Umuahia and Lokoja.

Matchday 9 Results

Heartland FC 2-1 Wikki Tourists

Katsina United 3-0 FC IfeanyiUbah

Nasarawa United 3-3 Kwara United

Rivers United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes

Abia Warriors 3-1 Yobe Desert Stars

El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 Go Round FC

Kano Pillars 1-1 Enyimba FC

MFM FC 1-0 Akwa United (MD8)

Lobi Stars vs Akwa United (Postponed)

Plateau United vs Rangers FC (Postponed)

Sunshine Stars vs MFM FC (Postponed)

 

@AmosCP

Stats: Opta Nigeria

Photo-credit: LMC Media