MFM recorded the only away win on the opening day of the 2019/ 2020 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, edging out Heartland 1-0 at the Okigwe Township Stadium on Sunday, reports Completesports.com.
Clement Ogwu scored the winning goal for MFM six minutes before the break.
In the battle of two former Champions, Plateau United defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 at the New Jos Stadium.
Silas Nerot benefitted from a goalkeeping error by Daniel Emmanuel to put Plateau ahead in the 12th minute.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 27th minute after Solomon Kwambe, in an attempt to clear Daniel Itodo’s cross, put the ball in his own net.
Lobi Stars pulled a goal back late in the first half after Sikiru Alimi converted from the spot.
Plateau United regained their two-goal lead in the 67th minute with Amos Gyang converting from close range after he was set up by Micheal Ibeh.
Four-time champions, Kano Pillars were held to a 0-0 draw by Rivers United in a keenly contested game at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano.
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors sent Katsina United back to their base empty handed following a 2-0 win.
Former FC IfeanyiUbah forward Jimoh Oni scored both goals for the home side.
In Asaba, Warri Wolves and Akwa United battled to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining game.
Wolves got in front with a second minutes strike by Samuel Ahmadu, while Mfon Udoh equalised for Akwa United in the 28th minute.
Delta Force and Akwa Starlets also shared the spoils in another matchday one encounter.
Isaac George put the away side ahead five minutes after the break, but Bala Yahuza levelled scores for Delta Force 12 minutes from time.
Samuel Kalu scored the only goal as FC Ifeanyi Ubah started their campaign on a winning note courtesy of a 1-0 home win against Adamawa United in Nnewi.
Kalu expertly put away Chigozie Chikwelu’s pass in the 40th minute to hand the Anambra Warriors all three points in the game.
FULL RESULTS: NPFL 2019/20 Matchday-1
Wikki 2-1 Jigawa GS
Plateau Utd 3-1 Lobi
Delta Force 1-1 Akwa Starlets
Kano Pillars 0-0 Rivers Utd
Heartland 0-1 MFM
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Adamawa Utd
Wolves 1-1 Akwa Utd
Abia Warriors 2-0 Katsina Utd
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
Finally the domestic league has kicked off, thank God.
I hope referees dont decide the champion or the nff wayo.
Let the Champions emerge organically .
Heartland against all expectations lost to MFM at home. It is time for the Heartland Officials to do the tough talking of their readiness for the league in the field of play not on the pages of newspapers.