Anthony Okpotu lit up the Nigeria Professional Football League with his third hat-trick of the season as Lobi Stars narrowly defeated El-kanemi Warriors 3-2 at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

The Panther, as Okpotu if fondly called, opened scoring in the 11th minute and followed up with another in the 20th minute. Abraham Audu pulled El-kanemi Warriors just before the break but Okpotu grabbed his third goal and 17th of the season in the 46th minute. Ibrahim Babaginda pulled the visitors back in the 86th minute but Lobi Stars held on to their 14th win of the season. Can he overtake Stephen Odey who has 18 goals? How is Okpotu not in the CHAN team?

There were home wins across the 10 centres in the NPFL. A brace from Christian Madu gave Rangers a 2-1 win over Katsina United in Enugu. Timothy Danladi drew the visitors level just before the break after converting a penalty but Christian Madu responded in the 54th minute to give Rangers the three points.

In Port Harcourt, Enyimba lost 2-1 to Rivers United. Bernard Ovoke and Abdoulaye kanoute grabbed the goals for Rivers United before Koffi Franco opened his account for Enyimba. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu grabbed another assist. The Peoples Elephant conceded two first half goals for the first time this season. About 24 hours before, the visitors were harassed at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

Teams in the relegation zone had their fair share of results. Wikki Tourists defeated Remo Stars 2-0 in Bauchi, ABS FC were 2-0 winners over leaders Plateau United while Shooting Stars defeated Nasarawa United 2-0. Gombe United lost 1-0 to MFM FC which dents their hopes of survival in the NPFL.

Rabiu Ali was the star man in Kano as Kano Pillars emerged 2-0 winners over Abia Warriors. Less than 24 hours after scoring in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Benin, the Kano Pillars captain grabbed an assists and a goal in the NPFL encounter. Sunshine Stars were 2-1 winners over Niger Tornadoes in Akure while Akwa United lost 1-0 to FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi.

With three matches to go and only one team confirmed to be relegated, which other three teams would join Remo Stars?

Congratulations to the home based Super Eagles for qualifying to their third consecutive CHAN. The 2-1 aggregate win over Benin was enough.

The AITEO Cup continues. There were interesting results from the round of 64 and interesting fixtures in the round of 32. Don’t miss out.

@AmosCP