Rangers Shock Heartland, Abia Warriors Stop Plateau United As Enyimba, MFM Lose

Enugu Rangers recorded their first win in the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) this season after a difficult win of  1-0 victory against South-East rivals Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium,Owerri on Sunday

 

 

The Flying Antelopes after losing their first two opening games of the campaign  had a victory which eased pressure on the coach of the team Gbenga Ogunbote courtesy of a 10th minutes strike by Bright Silas.

 

 

Heartland, missed the chance to earn a point in the game when Lucky Emariojoke missed a penalty on the dot of half time. They are currently without a win in this campaign.

 

In Umuahia, champions Plateau United lost for the first this season as they were handed a 1-0 defeat by Abia Warriors.

 

Samson Obi stabbed home Chinedu Ozor pinpoint cross in the second minute to hand the hosts an important win.

 

At the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers United beat four-time champions Kano Pillars 2-1.

 

Bamba Bakari gave Rivers United the lead on 19 minutes, while Junior Lokossa levelled scores in the 31st minute with his third goal of the season.

Ivorian forward Guy Kuemian got the winning goal for the home team in the 59th minute after he was teed up by the impressive Oche Salefu. It was Kuemian’s second goal of the season.

 

Former champions Enyimba put up a lacklustre display against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium and were defeated 2-0.

 

It was the Peoples Elephant first defeat in six games but they are yet to win this season.

 

Martins Usule and Usman Barau scored both goals for the Chanji Boys to ensure they picked their first win of the season.

 

MFM FC of Lagos’ troubled start to the season continued as the Olukoya Boys lost 3-1 against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

 

After a goaless first half, former junior international Bello Kofarmata put the hosts in front a minute before the half hour mark following a fine assist by former Enugu Rangers forward Ocheme Edoh.

 

 

Nasarawa United vs Sunshine Stars in Lafia. Photo courtesy LMC Media.

 

Edoh doubled the lead four minutes later, while Adegboyega Adekunle reduced the deficit for MFM in the 76th minute.

Sunday Anthony made the points safe for El-Kanemi when he netted the third in the 89th minute.

 

In another match day three fixture, Samad Kadiri scored the winner as Lobi Stars beat Go Round FC 1-0  at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi. It was Samad’s third goal of the season.

 

FC IfeanyiUbah also secured a vital 2-0 win against 10- man  Kwara United in Nnewi.

 

Godwin Obaje opened scoring for the Anambra Warriors in the 23rd minute from Bright Onyedikachi’s corner kick, his third goal of the campaign.

 

Obaje was replaced two minutes later by Chijoke Alakwe following an injury.

 

Ekene Awazie got the second goal of the game following a beautiful assist by Alakwe in the 63rd minute.

 

Kwara United were reduced to 10 men when Sunday Udechukwu was sent off seven minutes before the end of the game.

 

The Harmony Warriors have now lost their three games this season and are the only club who are yet to pick a  point.

 

Victor Mbaoma opened his goal account for the season as Akwa United beat Yobe Desert Stars 2-0 in Uyo.

 

The former Remo Stars striker was on target on half hour mark, while  Micheal Ibe scored the second goal three minutes later.

 

Sunshine Stars suffered their first defeat of the season, going down to a 2-0 defeat against Nasarawa United in Lafia.

 

Douglas Achiv and Ishaya Anyu were the goal scorers for the Solid  Miners.

In the day’s last fixture, Wikki Tourists defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 with captain Mustapha Ibrahim netting the winner on the hour mark.