From frustrating stalemates to gritty comebacks, match day 17 of the Nigerian Professional Football League had it all. The table is beginning to take shape, with some teams solidifying their position at the top while others are desperate to climb out of the relegation zone.
The first two fixtures were played on Saturday with Lobi Stars securing a tight 1-0 win against Plateau United before Shooting Stars recorded yet another home win against a Kano Pillars side with several first team players missing.
Rivers back on top
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The home team trailed at halftime courtesy of Akani Akeem’s header in the 18th minute of the game, however, they displayed unending determination and grit to turn the game on its head in an entertaining second half display.
Timothy Zachariah was pivotal in the comeback as he reacted to a scramble in the box to fire in a scrappy goal before making a darting run and delivering a pinpoint low cross into the box for David Benjamin to tap in for the second goal.
The victory sees Rivers United regain top spot in the NPFL standings with 32 points in 17 games, two points ahead of second placed Remo Stars. Meanwhile, Kwara United sit 13th with 20 points in 16 games.
Points dropped for Rangers, but unbeaten run maintained.
Enugu Rangers traveled to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium looking to secure vital three points on the road in their quest to defend the title. However, they were forced to share the spoils as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Katsina United.
The home side dominated the game, pinning the defending champions in their own half and creating chances, however they were unable to convert as the defense of the Antelopes stood resolute, putting their body on the line to deny the hosts of an advantage. Rangers also had their chances to steal the three points, but they were denied by the home side.
While the result would be considered as two points dropped in the title race, Enugu Rangers have now gone 10 games unbeaten, and they’ve kept clean sheets in five consecutive league games. They sit third with 28 points in 17 games, four points behind league leaders, Rivers United.
Meanwhile, Katsina United maintain their impressive form at home as they have only lost once at their stadium this season. They sit 14th with 20 points in 17 games and 18 of those points have come at home.
Tornadoes blow Sunshine Stars away
Niger Tornadoes recorded their biggest win in the Nigerian Professional Football League this season as they trashed Sunshine Stars 4-1 in a perfect first half for the hosts at the Bako Kontangora Stadium, Minna.
Prior to the game, Tornadoes had only won once in the last five head-to-head NPFL meetings against Sunshine Stars, however, they casted away all doubts in the early minutes of the game with a goal by Ernest Onyeka before Abdulrasheed Dabai doubled the lead just four minutes after.
They continued the rout in the 13th minute courtesy of Abba Khalid’s goal as Sunshine Stars crumbled under immense pressure from the home team. Things went from bad to worse as Joseph Godstime scored in the 27th minute to increase the score line.
From then onwards, it was almost like a training session for Niger Tornadoes, keeping the ball and creating even more chances, while Sunshine Stars defended to avoid an embarrassing score line. The away side eventually scored a consolation goal in the 72nd minute courtesy of Sodiq Ibrahim’s strike.
The dominant win takes Niger Tornadoes up to seventh on the NPFL standings with 24 points in 17 games. Sunshine Stars meanwhile continue their woeful season as they sit 18th with 18 points in the same number of games.
Other results during the weekend saw Akwa United fail to overcome their terrible away form as they lost to a spirited performance by Bayelsa United. Bendel Insurance meanwhile got a late goal courtesy of Austin Ogunye to seal a draw at Heartland Owerri.
In the final fixture of the day, the Southwest derby lived up to its billing as Ikorodu United got a goal in the dying minutes to steal a point against 10-man Remo Stars. The Sky Blue Stars did not only have victory snatched away from them at Onikan, they also surrendered top spot to Rivers United.
NPFL action resumes on Thursday as Enyimba host Nasarawa United aiming to overturn their poor form following a huge loss in the CAF Confederations Cup against Black Bulls Maputo.
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