It looked like a day made on the 7th day when FC IfeanyiUbah were leading 2-0 against Gombe United at the FC IfeanyiUbah stadium in Nnewi. Two Isaac Loute free kicks had given the host the lead before halftime and they were in cruise control until Sani Abanni pulled one back in the 61st minute for Gombe United. Within 7 minutes the equalizer was recorded – Austine Oladapo who assisted the first goal made it 2-2. The visitors capitalized on a counter and had the ball in the net in the 95th minute but the referee had signalled the end of the game just before the goal. There were disappointments across the faces of the Anambra Warriors but the Desert Scorpions could not believe that their third goal was chalked off by the whistle. Nnewi was silenced but that last attempt will be a major talking point for days.

In Port Harcourt, it was a case of the effect an ultimatum. Coach Stanley Eguma has been known for activating his inner man whenever there is an ultimatum issued. He was issued a three game ultimatum and boom – Rivers United scored three goals in the NPFL for the first time this season. Coincidence? They were 3-1 winners over visiting Wikki Tourists with goals from Guy Keumian, Emeka Oghugh and Chiwendu Ali. Abubakar Lawal grabbed a consolation for the visitors in the 49th minute.

Two matches ended goalless. Plateau United picked up another away point in Makurdi against Lobi Stars while Niger Tornadoes were held at home by Abia Warriors. Abayomi Adebayo’s 8th minute strike separated Shooting Stars from Enyimba in Ibadan as the Oluyole Warriors continue their flight to safety. In Ijebu-Ode, Sunshine Stars were 1-0 winners over El-kanemi Warriors with Sikiru Alimi the goal scorer.

Remo Stars were beaten 2-0 in Kano by Kano Pillars just as Rangers FC lost by the same scoreline to ABS FC in Ilorin. The defeat for the defending champions pulls them to murky waters of relegation at 17th position. ABS are 18th only on goal difference. Gombe United are 19th while Remo Stars remain at the bottom.

In the quest for second spot, Akwa United came from behind to defeat Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Nest of Champions. Aminu Kadir scored the opener in the 38th minute but the hosts responded within three minutes from a corner kick. Ubong Friday converted Ifeanyi’s corner kick. Christian Pyagbara grabbed the winner in the 48th minute.

The rains in Lagos meant that the fixture between MFM FC and Katsina United were played by 8am on Monday. MFM FC survived the fight back by Katsina United. Stephen Odey signalled his intention to break Mfon Udoh’s 23 goal a season record when he scored in the 15th minute – assisted by Sikiru Olatunbosun. They switched roles 14 minutes later to double their lead. In the second half, Destiny Ashade and Obinna ELeje pulled the visitor back but their comeback lasted only seconds as Chukwuka Onuwa made it 3-2 to the Olukoya Boys.

It was a weekend with 22 goals scored, only one penalty awarded and scored, no late goals (81mins and above) encountered but the controversy from Nnewi will be talked about for long.

@AmosCP