Sunshine Stars recovered from mid-week defeat against Dolphins to hammer struggling El-Kanemi Warriors 5-0 on Sunday to reclaim the top spot of the Globacom Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
With Enyimba’s Week 25 fixture against FC Taraba taking place on Monday evening, the Akure Arsenal took time to decimate the Maiduguri side, with Paul Onobi and Prince Aggreh scoring a brace each while Tunde Adeniji added his name on the score-sheet.
Onobi’s strikes in the 31st and 54th minutes set the Gunners on the cusp of eventual comprehensive victory with Aggreh making it 3-0 in the 67th minute. Tunde Adeniji added the fourth, five minutes from end of regulations time before Aggreh completed his brace in the 90th minute to seal a memorable home win for the title-chasing Sunshine, increasing its points tally to 46, one more than second-placed Enyimba.
Warri Wolves fired-up its contention for the league crown with a 1-0 victory against visiting Wikki Tourists. Gbolahan Salami’s 36th minute strike from the penalty spot was all that the Warri based club needed to claim decisive victory and 44 points, just one point behind Enyimba.
Kano Pillars’ 12 years, 202 home-match undefeated streak crashed following a 1-2 defeat against Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The reigning league Champions were stunned by the Lafia based club with two early quick goals from Mannir Ubale and Yaro Bature in the 12th and 16th minutes respectively. Although, captain, Raibiu Ali pulled one goal back for the struggling Sai Masu Gida in the 46th minute, Nasarawa United held on to the lead till the end of the game.
In Oghara, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt snatched a vital 1-0 away victory against struggling Bayelsa United to bolster its fight to escape relegation. Abia Warriors also overcame Heartland FC of Owerri by a lone goal in an explosive Oriental derby played at Umuahia Township Stadium with Chisom Chikatara scoring the decisive goal in the 18th minute.
Tony Okpotu’s 72nd minute goal gave Lobi Stars 1-0 victory over FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
In Uyo, hard-fighting Giwa FC battled Akwa United to a 2-2 at the Nest of Champions home with Giwa FC. The visiting Jos club stunned Akwa United when informed striker, Edoh Ocheme opened scoring in the 35th minute. Efforts of the home team to rally back paid off when Aniekan Ekpe equalized from the spot in the 60th minute with Ukeme Davies firing the host into the lead four minutes later. The lead, however, lasted barely ten minutes before the visitors drew level and held on till the end to share the points.
Similarly, Enugu Rangers failed to shook off its mid-week Federations Cup semi-finals loss as it was held by relegation threatened Dolphins of Port Harcourt to a 1-1 draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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