NPFL Roundup: Rangers Pip Enyimba In Oriental Derby; FCIU Win At Kada To Top Group B

Reigning Aiteo Cup champions, Enugu Rangers bounced back from their midweek 1-0 loss away to MFM to beat Enyimba of Aba by the same margin in an Oriental derby in the NPFL at the The Cathedral, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu on Sunday, reports Completesports.com.

Ibrahim Ajani scored the only goal of the encounter in the 40th minute, smashing in Ifeanyi George’s cross. Rangers’ Bobby Clement was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 87th minute of the encounter.

In Port Harcourt, MFM currently occupying the top spot in the Group A of the 2018/19 NPFL suffered their second away defeat of the season losing 1-0 away to Rivers United. MFM’s Austin Opara turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to defend Wasiu Jimoh’s cross on the hour mark and handed Rivers United their first win of the season.

In Bauchi, Sunshine Stars recorded their first win of the season defeating Wikki Tourist 1-0. The defeat was Wikki Tourist’s second straight loss following their 1-0 defeat away to Katsina United last Wednesday.

Chibundu Amah fired in a rebound shot from close range after Wikki Tourist goalkeeper Pius Ibrahim parried Sunday Abe’s spot-kick onto his path.

In Markudi, Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars recorded their first win of the NPFL season in style smashing Kwara United 3-0. Michael Stephen scored in the 10th minute before Yaya Kone struck in the 29th and 34th minute to put the game beyond reach for Kwara United.

Also Read: Etuemena: Heartland Escape From Relegation, Great Start To New Season Have Devine Reasons

Also despite been banished to Oshogbo, in Osun State, Remo Stars earned their first win of the season spanking Katsina United 2-0. Two goals – one in each half from Victor Mbaoma and Kingsley Akemini were enough to see off Katsina United.

Niger Tornadoes were held to a goalless draw at home by Insurance. Niger Tornadoes coach, Bernard Ogbe refused to come out for the second half of the game claiming his life was at risk.

In the NPFL Group B, FC Ifeanyi Ubah edged Kada Stars 1-0 to move up top in Group B. Chibuike Eze scored the only goal for the Anambra Warriors in the 62nd minute of the encounter in Kaduna. FC Ifeanyi Ubah now have 11 points from five games.

Also Read: Anyansi: Enyimba Not Backing Down From Fight For 8th League Title

Heartland FC who were leaders prior to the matchday five fixtures suffered their first loss of the NPFL season, losing 1-0 away to Yobe Desert Stars. It’s the Yobe Stars’ first win of the season. James Odeh’s goal in the 65th secured a hard-fought win for the coach Ngozi Elechi’s side.

In Umuahia, Gombe United forced Abia Warriors to a goalless draw just as Plateau United and Kano Pillars shared the spoils playing out a goalless draw.

NPFL 2019 MATCHDAY 5 RESULTS
Group A
Wikki 0-1 Sunshine Stars
Rivers Utd 1-0 MFM
Rangers 1-0 Enyimba
Lobi 3-0 Kwara Utd
Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina Utd
Tornadoes 0-0 Insurance

Group B
Yobe Stars 1-0 Heartland
Plateau Utd 0-0 Kano Pillars
Kada Stars 0-1 FCIU
Abia Warriors 0-0 Gombe Utd

By Johnny Edward