Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Enyimba FC maintained their winning streak in the Match Day 15 of the Globacom Premier League to climb to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table. Sunshine Stars climbed to the number one spot of the table after a 3-1 win home victory against Akwa United on Wednesday. Goals from Kehinde Adedipe (8th minute), Dayo Ojo (49th minute) and Prince Aggrey (57 th) ensured the Akure-based club picked the maximum three points that increased their season’s tally to 29 points in 15 matches, while Nnamso Edo got a consolation goal for Akwa United five minutes from time.
Six-time Nigerian league champions, Enyimba FC recorded 3-2 away victory against Kwara United in Illorin to increase its total points to 29 from 15 matches, same as Sunshine Stars but dropped to second spot on inferior goal difference. Goals from Ifeanyi George, Christian Obiozor and Markson Ojobo were enough for the People’s Elephant to pick the maximum points and maintain its eight games undefeated streak.
It was a contrast of fortune for Wikki Tourists who emerged the dark horse of week 14 matches and league leader as the Bauchi-based club surrendered the top spot to Sunshine Stars and Enyimba after a 1-1 home draw against Giwa FC.
Wikki Tourists was thought to be on the cusp of grabbing maximum three points when Mustapha Ibrahim opened scoring for the home side in the 55th minute at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi, only for Ibrahim Shuaibu to level for Giwa in the 70th minute with neither side able to add to the tally. The draw ensured that Wikki Tourists dropped to third on the log.
Heartland FC of Owerri moved up to the 4th position on the log after beating high flying FC Ifeanyi Ubah at its adopted home venue, Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. Saibou Badarou scored in the 86th minute to inflict a second straight defeat to the Nnewi side and pick the maximum points.
Rangers International came from a goal down to beat Kano Pillars 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Bobby Clement scored in the 38 minutes to hand the Flying Antelopes an important victory and third successive win under youthful coach Imama Amapakabo.
Abia Warriors also recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory against Bayelsa United at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba. Early goals from Bolaji Sakin, Ifeanyi Onyeali and Ndifreke Effiong in the 11th, 18th and 26th minutes respectively ensured the Umuahia-based side took home the maximum points.
Sharks’ relegation struggle continues after a 0-1 loss against Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Dolphins, the second Port Harcourt-based club on the road also lost 1-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.
Onyeka Okafor’s 14th minute strike handed Warri Wolves a morale boosting 1-0 win over Lobi Stars while Nasarawa United piped FC Taraba to pick the maximum points.
In all, the Globacom NPFL Match-Day 15 produced one away win, eight home wins, one score draw and 24 goals.
Glo NPFL Match Day 15 Results
El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Dolphins
Wikki Tourists 1-1 Giwa FC
Heartland 1-0 FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Shooting Stars 1-0 Sharks
Nasarawa United 2-0 FC Taraba
Kwara United 2-3 Enyimba
Abia Warriors 3-1 Bayelsa United
Warri Wolves 1-0 Lobi Stars
Sunshine Stars 3-1 Akwa United
Rangers 2-1 Kano Pillars
By Olisemeka Obeche
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