2017/18 NPFL Matchday 12 Review
It was an Oriental Weekend on Matchday 12 with two concurrent oriental derbies played in Enugu and Nnewi. Lobi Stars took the shine from the east and moved three points clear at the top of the NPFL table. The unbeaten runs of Enyimba and Kano Pillars were cut short on the road while FC IfeanyiUbah failed to record their first win over Abia Warriors in the NPFL.
Rangers defeated Enyimba 1-0 in the bigger oriental derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Bright Silas converted Felix Ogbuke’s freekick to record the only goal of the game. The visitors were unbeaten in 8 consecutive matches in all competition but were brought down to earth in Enugu.
In the lesser oriental derby, FC IfeanyiUbah failed to record their first ever NPFL win over Abia Warriors. Patrick Ikeokwu had given the Anambra Warriors the lead in the 5th minute but Samson Obi drew the visitors level in the 66th minute. Uche Okafor was the hero for Abia Warriors as he saved a 90th minute penalty from Chidume.
Kano Pillars were without top scorer Junior Lokosa, no thanks to a stomach bug. They lost 2-0 to Yobe Desert Stars at the August 27th Stadium in Damaturu. A 24th minute own goal by Joel Djondang and a 71st minute goal from Abdulmalik Mohammed was enough for the Desert Stars.
There were 1-0 wins for Go Round and Niger Tornadoes over Sunshine Stars and defending champions Plateau United respectively. Okon Otop gave Go Round the win, while Hussiani Isah converted a 34th minute to give Niger Tornadoes all three points. David Tyavkase’s 69th minute goal gave Lobi Stars all three points over visiting Katsina United.
Heartland lost their third game in four NPFL matches after MFM FC emerged 3-0 winners at the Agege Stadium. Stanley Okorom, Chuka Uwaga, and Giscard Tchato were the goal scorers. Akwa United were also 1-0 winners over Nasarawa United. Adeshina scored in the 9th minute on Monday.
It was a sad Sunday in Ilorin as Kwara United failed to defeat visiting El-Kanemi Warriors. The visitors went ahead with Antonio Dasouza in the 36th minute but the Harmony Warriors pulled one back in the 53rd minute with Anayor Ogbonna the goal scorer. The game ended 1-1 but Kwara United parted ways with coach John Obuh on Monday.
Looking at the table, Kwara United look destined for relegation while Yob Desert Stars are fighting above their weight. Akwa United have two games in head and are just 4 points behind Lobi Stars at the top with 23 points. The defending champions are currently 5th with 18 points.
Four Nigerian teams were in action last week. Enyimba recorded an away win over Energie of Benin, Akwa United lost 1-0 to Al-Ittihad of Libya in the Confederation Cup. Monsuru’s wonder goal gave MFM FC a 2-1 win over visiting MC Alger of Algeria while Plateau United lost 4-2 to Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia. All four teams have decent chances to progress to the next stage.
Photo-credit: LMC Media
Post was first published as Oriental Weekend, Lobi Stars Shine to the Top, Pillars & Enyimba Lose Unbeaten Streaks on kiniscore.com
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