After a month’s break, excluding the rescheduled matches, the 2016/17 NPFL returned with a bang as the second round matches began over the weekend. It was a weekend of away wins and away goals.

The biggest victory of Matchday 20 was in Ibadan where visiting FC IfeanyiUbah walloped Shooting Stars 3-0 at their backyard. The visitors went 2-0 up before the spectators could get properly seated. Last season’s top scorer, Godwin Obaje opened scoring in the 2nd minute before Pascal Seka added misery to the Oluyole Warriors in the 14th minute with a goal. The home side had an opportunity to reduce the deficit but Abayomi Adebayo missed the penalty in the 26th minute. The game ended 3-0 in favour of 10-man FC IfeanyiUbah after King Osanga added spicing to the victory in the 87th.

There were away wins for Enyimba FC and Lobi Stars in Sagamu and Akure respectively. Ugochukwu Leonard scored the lone goal for Enyimba FC in the 38th minute against Remo Stars who had to play behind closed doors. In Akure, Kingsley Eduwo scored the winner for Lobi Stars in the 15th minute against Sunshine Stars. The South West was a good hunting ground for away points on Matchday 20. Even MFM FC could not see off Akwa United after they played out a goalless draw. Stephen Odey, back from his facility tour, missed a penalty and an opportunity to add to his tally and pull MFM on level with Plateau United at the top of the table. Of the four teams from the South West region, three are in relegation places.

There were home wins for Rangers FC, Wikki Tourists, ABS FC, Kano Pillars and Rivers United. Ayo Saka’s 39th minute goal gave Rivers United all three points against Nasarawa United in Port Harcourt. Rivers United have found it difficult scoring goals this season but they managed another 1-0 win over FUS Rabat in the CAF Confederation Cup during on Wednesday. Junior Lokosa helped Kano Pillars to a 1-0 home win over Niger Tornadoes, Wikki Tourists were 3-0 winners over Abia Warriors with Ahmed Usman, Chukwudi Samuel and Kabiru Mohammed the goal scorers.

Rangers International FC needed a late goal from Okeke Chukwuebuka to secure a 2-1 win over Gombe United in Enugu. The visitors stunned the host in the 11th minute with a goal from Abdulwaheed Afolabi before Godwin Aguda equalized in first half added time. There were scenes of violence after the games in Enugu and Akure were match officials were harassed and assaulted. The LMC have issued charges to Rangers FC and Sunshine Stars. They have 10 working days to pay up or else points will be deducted and awarded to their opponents. Can that really happen? Teams must shun violence to promote the NPFL.

Plateau United remained on top of the table with 36 points after a 1-1 draw in Katsina. MFM FC are 2nd with 34 points, while El-Kanemi Warriors occupy the 3rd spot. FC IfeanyiUbah’s away win pulls them to 4th with Enyimba just behind only on goal difference. Remo Stars remain rooted at the bottom of the table with 19 points. Shooting Stars are 19th with 22points. Gombe United (23 points) and Sunshine Stars (24 points) make up the relegation places.

Will we have another splash of away wins on Matchday 21? Let the best team win, irrespective of whether they are away or at home. Will there be surprises this weekend? Have you voted for your Wonder Goal on the LMC site?

ICYMI: Akwa United duo of Alhassan Ibrahim and Abdu Maikaba have been named League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Player and Manager for April respectively following their outstanding performances in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the month under review.

@AmosCP

Photocredit: LMC