First Home Loss for Yobe Desert Stars, Three cosecutive defeat for FC IfeanyiUbah, Kwara United Swim out of Relegation, Plateau United Survive Warriors in Jos.

The August 27^th stadium in Damaturu is known for home victories since last season in the Nigeria National League. Yobe Desert Stars basked in the comfort of the points they would acquire playing in the top most league in the land – the NPFL.

They survived Enyimba who were the first NPFL team to pick a point in Damaturu. They were held at home by Kwara United and FC IfeanyiUbah but last weekend, Akwa United grabbed all three points at the August 27^th stadium. Michael Ibe’s 76^th minute goal gave the visitors the win against Yobe Desert Stars. The result means Yobe Desert Stars have now failed to win any of their last 4 NPFL matches, thus slipping into the relegation zone for the first time.

On the other end, Akwa United reduced the point difference from Lobi Stars at the top to just 2 points. Lobi Stars lost 1-0 to Go Round FC in Omoku. Shedrack Oghali’s 69^th minute header was the only goal in the game.

There were four other 1-0 wins on Matchday 23. IfeanyiUbah lost their 3^rd match in a row no thanks to Chinedu Sunday’s 14^th minute header for Kwara United in Ilorin. The win propelled Kwara United out of the relegation zones for the first time this season but they were replaced by the Anambra Warriors.

Niger Tornadoes were 1-0 winners over Wikki Tourists while the little matter of the Oriental Derby between Rangers and Heartland in Enugu ended 1-0 in favour of the home team. MFM FC defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 at the Agege Stadium.

In Jos, there were 4 second half goals. Plateau United were on the verge of losing at home but they were saved by a late penalty. Saidu Salisu had given the defending champions the lead in the 49^th minute through a free kick but Sunday Adetunji equalized for Abia Warriors in the 68^th minute with a header from Jimoh Oni’s cross. Within 2 minutes, Abia Warriors were ahead with Samson Obi the goal scorer.

Reuben Bala had his 87^th minute penalty saved but Plateau United goat another chance within the next 7 minutes. Saidu Salisu didn’t miss from the spot in the 94^th minute – squashing every hope of an away win for Abia Warriors.

In Calabar, Uche John and Joseph Osadiaye were the goal scorers for Enyimba in their 2-0 win over Katsina United. Sunshine Stars were also 2-0 winners over Nasarawa United in Akure. Jide Fatokun and Sikiri Alimi were the goal scorers.

Junior Lokosa scored his 19^th goal of the NPFL season after Kano Pillars were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Rivers United. Chikere Osita had given the visitors the lead in the 12^th minute before Lokosa pulled Kano Pillars level immediately after the break.

The league goes on break for the world cup and resume with Matchday 25. We wish the Super Eagles the best in Russia.

The little matter of qualifying for the 2018 AWCON was settled on Monday. The Super Falcons defeated Gambia 6-0 at the Agege Stadium. They progressed 7-0 on aggregate. Will Ghana still be able to host the competition after the recent revelations of corruption? 

@AmosCP

Photo-credit: LMC Media