NPFL Roundup: MFM Maintain Top Position, Nasarawa Earn 1st Away Win, As El-Kanemi Go To Top

NPFL Roundup: MFM Maintain Top Position, Nasarawa Earn 1st Away Win, As El-Kanemi Go To Top By Admin After what was a tension soaked matchday, the top-of-the-table clash in Maiduguri saw a twist in leadership in Group B of the NPFL while MFM FC kept their place at the summit of Group A despite being held at home by seven-time champions Enyimba on Sunday. Before the matchday, MFM were yet to secure a win against the Aba side in six attempts, and hoped that their current form will give them some edge over the two-time African champions, despite having two of their former key players (Chukwuka Onuwa and Stanley Okorom) on the starting list of the visiting. Enyimba silenced the crowd at the Agege Stadium in the 48th minute when Abdulrahman Bashir stylishly volleyed Nasiru Sani’s throw-in past goalkeeper Abayomi Folarin, to put the away team in front. In a swift response, in-form Chijioke Akuneto drove in a stunner eight minutes later to restore parity, ensuring both sides shared spoils. The game between Sunshine Stars and Kwara United saw both sides finishing with ten men each, as Michael Egbeta’s strike at the hour mark settled the fixture. Sunshine Stars won 1-0. At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United got the better of Lobi Stars in each half. Tasiu Lawal opened scoring on 18 minutes before former Abia Warriors winger Bashir Sherif wrapped things up five minutes from regulation time. RELATED POSTS Sunshine Stars seal slim victory over Kwara United in heated… Mar 31, 2019 Heartland end winless run with win over Kano Pillars Mar 31, 2019 Nwagua stars in Kano Pillars’ thumping of FC… Mar 27, 2019 Struggling Bendel Insurance had some respite, after a hard fought 2-0 win at home to Wikki Tourists through a goal each from Junior Osaghae and Adimorama Eze. The story was not similar in Sagamu, as Justice Charles’ effort in the 70th minute earned Rivers United a win at the expense of Remo Stars, while Niger Tornadoes and Rangers settled for a scoreless draw. In Group B, Akwa United tasted defeat for the first time in nine games, when they were beaten 4-1 by El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Kabiru Balogun, Sani Abbani, Sunday Anthony and Bello Kofarmata were on the score sheet for the home side, while Godspower Aniefiok got Akwa United’s goal. The Promise Keepers finished the game with a man down, following the sending off of Wilson Elu just before full-time. At the Pantami Stadium, Success Emmanuel’s goal ensured Gombe United earned a slim 1-0 win over Yobe Desert Stars, while Uche Ihuarulam’s goal on 76 minutes helped FC Ifeanyiubah edge Plateau United 1-0 in Nnewi, to move into second position on the log. Heartland FC secured their first win in seven games, beating Kano Pillars 2-1. Godwin Emmanuel put the Owerri side in front on 12 minutes, before Rabiu Ali levelled terms 10 minutes later. Pillars goalkeeper Ibrahim Idrissu in an attempt to save his side from concdeding, headed the ball into his own net after it came off the crossbar. The own goal was enough for the Naze Millionaires to earn a win. Sunusi Ibrahim’s strike on 75 minutes, aided Nasarawa United to victory at the Umuahia Township away to Abia Warriors. In the late kickoff, Delta Force began life in the top-flight after acquiring Kada City’s place in the NPFL with a 1-0 win against visiting Go Round at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. Bala Zakka scored the only goal.