NPFL Wrap: Abia Warriors Get First Win In Style As 10-Man Enyimba Win Away To Move

  NPFL: Abia Warriors Get First Win In Style As 10-Man Enyimba Win Away To Move Top By Omolagba Oluwayemi It's all smiles for coach Imama Amapakabo and his players as they recorded their first win of the season, BSNsports.com.ng reports. Having lost their first four games of the season, Abia Warriors looked like a team that will really struggle in the league this season but a run of three straight draws have ignited the belief in the camp and today they got their first win of the season against Sunshine Stars of Akure. Fatai Abdullahi (16) gift Abia Warriors the lead via a well taken free-kick and four minutes later, Ugwuka (20) made it 2-0 for the Imama Amapakabo led side. Ahmat (61) put Sunshine Stars back into the game after the break but Bello Lukman (66) killed any hope of a comeback for the Owena Waves with his first of the evening. Bello Lukman (78) then made it a resounding victory for Abia Warriors with the second of the night. The introduction of Bello Lukman and Godwin Obaje really ignited the fire in Abia Warriors attack as the run riot over Sunshine Stars. Although Warriors are still in the relegation zone, it ended Abia Warriors 4-1 Sunshine Stars at the Okigwe Township Stadium. Enyimba moved top of the log after a 2-1 win over Nasarawa United at the Nasarawa Township Stadium despite playing with 10 men for more than 30 minutes. An own goal by Abubakar Abdullahi (16) puts Enyimba ahead away from home but Chinedu Ohanachom (20) levelled matters for the host four minutes later. Cyril Olisema (32) well converted penalty puts Enyimba ahead again before the break, and the scoreline remained unchanged at full time although Enyimba were reduced to 10 in the 62nd minute after Omaka was adjudged to have elbow Ohanachom. Adamawa United woes continue as they lost again at home 0-1 to Akwa United. Mfon Udoh (58) scored the only goal of the encounter before Adamawa got reduced to 10 men in the 81st minute after Abubakar Jibrin was sent off for a second bookable offence. MFM FC continued what could be their longest winless streak in the league going down 2-0 to Wikki Tourist in Bauchi. Promise Damala (29) send the host in front before Chinedu Udeagha (66) well taken penalty to condemned the Olukoya Boys to their second defeat of the season. Ranger Int'l enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Cathedral beating Dakkada FC 3-0. A brace from Christian Nnaji (48, 90), and one from Israel Abia (23) was all the Flying Antelope need for their fourth win of the season. Kwara United moved 3rd on the log after a 2-1 win against Lobi Stars of Markurdi. The first half lacked spark as both teams could not find the back of the net but a minute before the hour mark, Nwanze (59) converted from the penalty spot to put the Harmony Boys ahead and Stephen (76) sealed the three points for them although they conceded four minutes later from Samuel Tiza (80) to leave the final score at 2-1. Warri Wolves pipped Plateau United by a lone goal. Ndassi (12,16) scored a first half brace as Kano Pillars beat Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0 to move fourth on the log. A total of 20 goals was scored across eight centres today with two games left to end the round. Heartland will take on Ifeanyi Ubah in the South East derby tomorrow while Kastina vs Rivers United completes the round's fixtures. NPFLatch-day 8 FULL-TIME SCORES Nasarawa Utd 1-2 Enyimba Adamawa Utd 0-1 Akwa Utd Kano Pillars 2-0 Jigawa GS Wikki 2-0 MFM Kwara Utd 2-1 Lobi Abia Warriors 4-1 Sunshine Stars Rangers 3-0 Dakkada Wolves 1-0 Plateau Utd