Sunshine Stars Football Club leapfrogged Enyimba atop Globacom Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) after 4-0 thrashing of Giwa FC in the week 23 fixture on Sunday.
Sensational hat-trick by attacking winger, Prince Aggreh and a lone strike by defender, Stephen Eze gave the Akure Arsenal the comprehensive victory that propelled it back to the summit on 43 points.
Earlier on Saturday, leaders, Enyimba surrendered its lead to draw 1-1 against Bayelsa United in Oghara, Delta State.
Enyimba had had a chance of opening a four-point lead at the top of the league when Sikiru Lawal’s superb finish just before the half hour mark gave it a lead against the struggling Bayelsa United. But, Raphael Onwurebe’s strike, almost at the break, followed by a goalless second half ensured the six times champion dropped two vital points that would have kept it ahead of wave-making Sunshine Stars.
Reigning NPFL champions, Kano Pillars continued its resurgence with a 4-1 thrashing of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday.
Goals from Adamu Mohammed, Ubong Ekpai, Tony Edjomariegwe and captain, Rabiu Ali gave the Masu Gida a comprehensive home victory before Ajani Ibrahim scored a consolation goal for 3SC inside stoppage time. The victory against the Oluyole Warriors extend Pillars’ unbeaten home run in the top flight to 201 matches and points haul in the league to 39 from 23 matches.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah recorded a surprised away victory against Enugu Rangers in another classic Oriental derby played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The Nnewi-based club, recovering from mid-week’s quarter-finals Federations Cup loss to Nasarawa United, however, shocked the host when Chukwude Stephen scored in the 42nd minute.
Although, Rangers’ tactical changes in the second half produced two goals in two minutes through Odah Onoriode and Godwin Aguda in the 60th and 62nd minutes to turn the table against the visitors. FC Ifeanyi Ubah, with Daniel Amokachi in charge of his first game as the club’s technical adviser, struck two late goals to claim a memorable victory on the evening.
Wikki Tourists of Bauchi also secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Kwara United the Kwara State Stadium in llorin, thanks to Godwin Obaje’s 72nd minute strike. In Umuahia, Abia Warriors profited from a late own goal by Kabiru Adewale to snatch a victory against visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Anthony Okpotu was the hero in Lobi Stars’ comeback in Sunday’s game against bottom-placed FC Taraba at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. Okpotu scored twice in the 52nd and 62nd minutes respectively, to cancel out Stephen Adah’s goal just before the break. Nasarawa United continued its mid-week fine form with a 2-0 victory against visiting Heartland FC of Owerri.
Warri Wolves defeated Dolphins of Port Harcourt 1-0 in a keenly contested match played at the Warri City Stadium. Defender, Azubuike Egwueke scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minutes.
Dolphins’ city rivals, Sharks also failed to consolidate on their relegation escape battle as it suffered a 1-3 loss against Akwa United at the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo. A brace from Anikpeno Udoh and a Bawa Aliyu goal was enough to seal the comfortable victory for the home team while Christian Pyagbara’s late goal from the penalty spot was the only consolation the Blue Angels took back to Port Harcourt.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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