Pillars Pip Akwa Utd, El-Kanemi Upset Enyimba; Ikorodu Utd, MFM Draw

By Adeboye Amosu:

Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf (Ikorodu United vs MFM FC)

Kano Pillars defeated out 10-man Akwa United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Micheal Ibe Okoro put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute after a mix-up in Kano Pillars’ defence.
The lead lasted only four minutes with captain Rabiu Ali equalising for the Sai Masu Gida.
Ali put his side ahead for the first time in the 26th minute, converting home Prince Aggreh’s inch perfect cross.
Akwa United went in search of an equaliser and were rewarded a minute before the break when Ubong Ekpai found the back of the net for his second goal of the season.
Ali got his hat-trick two minutes after the break to hand his side an important win.
There was wild jubilation at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri as Heartland secured their first win of the season courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Lobi Stars.
Fortune Omoniwari grabbed the winner four minutes before the break, nodding home Onyebuchi Ajunwa’s cross.
Dele Ajiboye was the hero at the Warri City Stadium as Warri Wolves beat visiting Niger Tornadoes 1-0.
The Seasiders who scored an early goal through Achibi Emenike came close to conceding the equaliser in the game, but for the heroics of the former Nigeria junior international.
Shooting Stars also shook off the disappointment of their midweek defeat to FC IfeanyiUbah bysecuring a 2-1 win against Giwa FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Izu Joseph scored the opener in the second minute, while Kabiru Umar added the second three minutes from time.
Veteran midfielder, Isiaka Olawale, grabbed the consolation goal for Giwa in added time.
At the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Ghanaian forward, Godbless Asamoah, scored in the 93rd minute to hand Rivers United a slim 1-0 win against Nasarawa United who are still without a win this season.
Sunshine Stars’ struggles continued as they played a 1-1 draw at home against FC IfeanyiUbah.
The Owena Waves were primed for another defeat when Okereke Maduabuchi put the visitors ahead in the 86th minute, but they rallied back and got the equaliser late in the game.
Champions Enyimba lost 2-0 against El-kanemi Warriors at the Karkanda Memorial Stadium, Katsina.
Abia Warriors maintained their unbeaten run as they secured an impressive 1-1 away draw against Plateau United.
There was drama late in the game when Abia Warriors captain Austin Obaroakpo was sent off deep in stoppage time for handling the ball inside the box.
John Gaadi however saved Charles Okafor’s spot kick to ensure his side returned to Umuahia with a point.
Ikorodu United and MFM FC battled to a goalless draw in the Lagos derby at the Onian Stadium.

MATCH DAY FIVE RESULTS
El-kanemi Warriors 2 V 0 Enyimba
Heartland 1 V 0 Lobi Stars
Ikorodu United V MFM FC
Kano Pillars. 3 V 2 Akwa
Plateau United 1 V 1 Abia Warriors
Rivers United 1 V 0 Nasarawa
Shooting Stars 2 V 1 Giwa FC
Sunsshine Stars 1 V 1 IfeanyiUbah
Warri Wolves 1 V 0 Tornadoes