NPFL Wrap Up; 6 Pillars Fall On Delta, Israel Abia Scores 4, Plateau Maintain Lead Despite Loss At Heartland

NPFL Wrap Up; 6 Pillars Fall On Delta, Israel Abia Scores 4, Plateau Maintain Lead Despite Loss At Heartland

By Niyi Busari

Sunshine Stars striker, Israel Abia scored all the four goals for Owena Whales to compound Nasarawa united woes in their Nigeria Professional Football League [NPFL] match-day 7 encounter in Akure, Ondo state,BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Israel opened the floodgate of goals when he scored the first goal in the 36th before adding another ten minutes later to give Sunshine comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half of the 8-goal thriller. He completed his hat trick four minutes after the commencement of the second half before adding one more gol in the 79th minute. Meanwhile, Chidi Solomon and Mohammed Manga scored one goal each for the visitors, Nasarawa United.

At the Sanni Abacha Stadium in Kano, resurgent Kano Pillars were merciless against Delta Force in 7-goal thriller. David Ebuka scored in the 3rd minute for Sai Masu Gida before Abdullahi Musa added the second goal 17 minutes later. Auwalu Ali 50th minute strike, Rabiu Ali makes it four in 61st minute, Chijioke Alakwe's brace in 77th and 87th minutes completed the rout while Bala Yahuza scored the consolation goal in the 58th minute.

Ndifreke Effiong's hat trick condemned Adamawa United in their 4-0 loss to Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio stadium on Sunday. The former Abia Warrior striker netted in the 6th, 14th and 69th minutes while Paul Obata had scored a goal in the 25th minute to make sure Adamawa United returned home with 4-0 loss.

At the Umuahia Stadium, Akwa Starlets stalled Abia Warriors impressive home runs as the visitors picked a point on the road. The week 7 encounter between the two sides saw the the first half ended in goalless. Jimoh Oni however, rose to nod the homers ahead five minutes into the second half. Archibong tapped in the equaliser for the visitors in the 58th minute.

In Okigwe, Heartland broke the heart of Plateau United traveling fans in their 1-0 loss in Imo state as Plateau United tasted first defeat in the league. Chinedu Amah's 73rd minute strike The win lifted Heartland to 13th on the log with 8 points while Wikki Tourists are three points adrift Plateau United.

NPFL Match Day 7 RESULTS
Abia Warriors 1-1 Akwa Starlets
Jimoh Oni 50’ – Eso Archibong 58’

Heartland 1-0 Plateau Utd
Chibundu Amah 73’

Akwa Utd 4-0 Adamawa Utd
Ndifreke Effiong 6’, 14’, 69’, Paul Obata 25’

Kano Pillars 6-1 Delta Force
David Ebuka 3’, Abdullahi Musa 20’, Auwalu Ali 50’, Rabiu Ali 61’, Chijioke Alaekwe77’, 87’ – Bala Yahuza 58’

Katsina Utd 1-0 MFM
Tasiu Lawal 8’ (PEN)

Sunshine Stars 4-2 Nasarawa Utd
Israel Abia *’, 45+2’, 48’, 79’ – Chidi Solomon *' , Mohammed Manga 40’ (OG)

FC Ifeanyiubah 2-0 Wikki
Tochukwu Anueyiagu 49’, Ikenna Cooper 85’

Wolves 0-0 Lobi