Random Changes at the Top and Bottom as the NPFL Continues

| | Mar 06, 2018

In the last two weeks, 18 matches have been played in the NPFL comprising of Matchday 10, 11 and rescheduled Matchday 9 fixtures. In this period, Akwa United (no thanks to their outstanding matches) were dethroned from the top of the table by Kano Pillars. Plateau United returned to the top, albeit for four days before Junior Lokosa’s 10th goal of the season ensured Kano Pillars finished Matchday 11 as table toppers.

There were similar changes at the bottom of the table were Sunshine Stars replaced Niger Tornadoes at the bottom before two consecutive losses for Kwara United brought the Ilorin based club back to the bottom. A late heartbreak in Ilorin for Kwara United was followed by another 1-0 loss in Omoku to Abia Warriors. Are the Warriors in Harmony?

Junior Lokosa is the man on fire. He scored in the 87th minute on Matchday 10 to ensure Kano Pillars left Enugu with a point. Rangers were ahead through Godwin Aguda’s goal in the 41st minute. Despite missing a penalty on Matchday 11, Junior Lokosa made sure he was on the scoresheet as Kano Pillars defeated Go Round FC 2-0 in Kano. Alassan Ibrahim scored the first goal in the 58th minute from the spot before Lokosa’s 85th minute goal.

Wikki Tourists slipped into the relegation for the first time this season. Recall that Wikki Tourists survived relegation on the last day of last season after a 2-0 victory over Gombe. They were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Katsina United before losing 1-0 at Nasarawa United. Martins Usule scored in the 87th minute for Katsina United after Shammah Tanze put Wikki Tourists ahead in the 25th minute.

Niger Tornadoes seem to have turned the corner after changing coaches. They were 2-0 winners over Abia Warriors on Matchday 10 before holding El-kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw at the fortress in Maiduguri, despite finishing with 10 men. On the other hand Sunshine Stars still have the shadow of the LMC on them. With three points deducted and restricted usage of players, they lost 2-1 at Enyimba before squeezing out a 1-1 draw against Rangers in Akure on Matchday 11. They are currently 15th on the table.

Things are not looking rosy at Heartland. Refrained from playing at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the Naze Millionaires played their Matchday 11 game at the FC IfeanyiUbah Stadium and lost 1-0 to Lobi Stars. Samad Kadiri scored in the 25th minute before the game ended with red cards to both teams. According to Opta Nigeria, Heartland have now lost each of their last two home games played outside Owerri. Will they fix their facility quick enough to return home?

There were also red cards in Port Harcourt where Rivers United and FC IfeanyiUbah finished with 10 men in a 1-1 draw. FC IfeanyiUbah were on their way to a win in Port Harcourt after Onyekachi Victor converted a 60th minute penalty. Rivers United goalie Sunday Rotimi got his matching orders after bringing down Seka Pascal in the box. Sadiq Abdulrazak also got sent off for the visitors before Salefu Ochowechi scored a beauty for Rivers United.

In the rescheduled matches, Lobi Stars pipped Akwa United 1-0, Plateau United needed a Chizoba Amaefule 77th minute header to see off Rangers 1-0 while Sunshine Stars recorded a 2-1 victory over MFM FC.

Plateau United, MFM FC, Akwa United and Enyimba have continental games this week. Ensure you support them just as you support the NPFL.

Matchday 10 Results

Wikki Tourists 1-1 Katsina United

FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Nasarawa United

Kwara United 0-1 Rivers United

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Abia Warriors

Yobe Desert Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Rangers FC 1-1 Kano Pillars

Enyimba FC 2-1 Sunshine Stars

MFM FC 0-0 Lobi Stars

Matchday 9 Results (Rescheduled)

Lobi Stars 1-0 Akwa United