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Sport

NPFL week 8 review: Rangers stop El-Kanemi on Imama’s return, Pillars hold Sunshine

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League
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 11, 2018 (NAN) FC IfeanyiUbah picked their first win in five games in the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with a comfortable 2-0 home victory against Eastern rivals Heartland FC on Sunday.

Ekene Awazie got the opening goal off a freekick in the 25th minute, while Ivorian striker Seka Pascal made the points safe by adding the second 11 minutes after the break.

The result meant the Nnewi-based side shot seven places up the log to 9th position, while the Owerri-based Heartland dropped to 10th position.

Imama Amapakabo’s return to Enugu, and on his return from CHAN 2018, ended on a sour note as El-Kanemi Warriors narrowly lost 0-1 to hosts Rangers.

Kelvin Itoya netted the decisive goal eight minutes from time, for Rangers to move to fifth on the log, while El-Kanemi Warriors slumped to the bottom of the 20-team table.

At the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin, hosts Kwara United recorded their third victory of the NPFL campaign after a nervy 2-1 home win against Katsina United.

Following a disjointed first half performance, Godwin Emeka put the hosts ahead four minutes after the break.

Stephen Alfred got the second for John Obuh’s men on the half hour mark, his third of the season.

Martins Usule ensured a nervy end to the game by reducing the deficit eight minutes before the end of the game.

The result saw Kwara United gain some ground, but they are still languishing in the relegation area on 18th position, while Katsina United dropped to 8th position on the log.

Niger Tornadoes of Minna edged out visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 1-0 at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, courtesy of Segun Alebiosu’s 11th minute strike.

Hosts Yobe Desert Stars also beat River United of Port Harcourt 1-0 in Damaturu, courtesy of substitute Philip Asuquo’s 80th minute penalty kick.

Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United are now in 15th and 14th positions respectively, while Yobe Stars and Rivers are on 6th and 12th positions respectively.

In another match day 8 fixture, Go Round FC boosted their survival hopes after defeating Abia Warriors 1-0 in Omoku, through Okon Otop’s third minute goal.

The league newcomers are joint 12th position with city rivals Rivers United, while Abia Warriors stumbled into the relegation zone in 19th position.

In another Sunday fixture, Sunshine Stars were held 0-0 at home by Kano Pillars.

The Akure-based clubside are on 7th position, while Kano Pillars are third on the NPFL log.

NAN reports that a total of nine goals were scored in seven matches played on Match Day 8, with six home wins and a draw recorded.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Kwara United beat Katsina United 2-1 to move up one step

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Movement
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Feb. 11, 2018 (NAN) Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin on Sunday defeated visiting Katsina United 2-1 in a Match Day 8 fixture of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin.

With 20 minutes into the game, Joshua Agboola would have put the visitors ahead but goalkeeper Eze Chidiebere for Kwara United made a brilliant save to deny them the opening goal.

NAN reports that the first half was an end-to-end battle, but the duo of Akeem Onigbari and Chinedu Chukwu of Kwara United defended brilliantly on many occasions.

But the hosts went ahead with just three minutes after the restart when Emeka Godwin smashed a brilliant effort into the roof of the net.

Twelve minutes later, Stephen Alfred scored his third consecutive home game goal when he headed past goalkeeper Yinka David to extend Kwara United’s lead.

Substitute Sunday Odudu would have extended their lead but David made a fantastic save to deny the former Kwara Football Academy product.

Martins Usule ghosted past Kwara United’s Chinedu Chukwu before he brilliantly found the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 84th minute.

There was a mild drama in the 90th minute when Katsina United’s appeal for a penalty kick was waved off by the centre referee.

The visitors had claimed that Chukwu used his hand to deflect an effort for a corner kick.

Another drama ensued one minute later when Joseph Adah who came on for Tasiu Lawal in the 58th minute was adjudged to have been fouled in the box.

The referee’s decision to wave play on led to some dissatisfaction.

Speaking after the game, Katsina United’s coach Abdullahi Biffo said while he had never complained about officiating he would not be out of order to complain this time around.

He claimed that it was the referee who handed the hosts the maximum three points.

“The referee made some calls that decided the game.

“But we can’t continue to see the game like this. It is like a waste of time when you prepare your team and the match officials hand you a performance like this.

“We want to be part of the development of the NPFL. But there is no cause for alarm, we will go back and strategise for the next game,’’ Biffo said.

His counterpart at Kwara United, John Obuh, said he was delighted to see his wards performed so brilliantly.

“We want to step up our game more than what has been seen today.

“We had to defend very well at the closing minutes of the game, because we had to defend our goals and they have nothing to lose. That was why they came out at us,’’ Obuh said.

Reacting to Biffo’s comments on the match officials’ handling of the match, Obuh said it was rather unfortunate.

He said it was lamentable that many Nigerian coaches complain when they not pleased with match results and keep quiet when they are happy with the results.

“As far as I am concerned, the referee did well. If we are to assign blames, we (Kwara United) will even say he didn’t give us any advantage playing at home,’’ the coach said.

NAN reports that Kwara United moved one place up on the log from 19th to 18th, with nine points from a possible 24.

They will travel to Lafia to face Nasarawa United for a Match Day 9 encounter on Feb. 18.(NAN)
OOH/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Lokosa scores again as Kano Pillars beat MFM FC

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Pillars
Kano, Feb. 4, 2018 (NAN) Hosts Kano Pillars Football Club on Sunday produced a brilliant performance to beat MFM FC of Lagos 2-0 in the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Match Day 7 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium saw the hosts showing promising intent from the first blast of the whistle

Junior Lokosa opened the scoring in the 52nd minute through a penalty kick to increase his season tally to seven goals in seven matches.

Subtitute Adamu Hassan scored the second goal in his first touch in the match’s stoppage time.

Lokosa however unrelentingly troubled the MFM FC backline throughout the game.

The Head Coach of Kano Pillars, Ibrahim Musa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the match that his team deserved the maximum points because they played well.

“This is a very good result. We will continue to play hard in order to get three points at home and away,” he said.(NAN)
MNT /OMO/OLAL
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(Edited by Martins Odeh and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL Match Day 6 Review: Rangers, Go Round FC move up as Kwara United stun Lobi Stars

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Victories
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 1, 2018 (NAN) Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin on Thursday halted Lobi Stars’ unbeaten run in the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season after beating the Makurdi-based side 1-0.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Stephen Alfred’s goal at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin handed Lobi Stars their first defeat of the league season.

The result meant Lobi Stars dropped two spots down the log to fifth position, while Kwara United moved up to 17th position from the bottom spot.

In arguably the biggest fixture of Match Day 6, Rangers International FC defeated Rivers United 1-0 through a 59th minute goal by Kelvin Itoya at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

The result shot Rangers to the eighth position on the log, while Rivers United are now joint 15th with city rivals Go Round FC of Port Harcourt on the log.

In Omoku, near Port Harcourt, NPFL debutants Go Round FC stunned Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium to move out of the relegation zone to the 15th position.

The Lafia-based clubside slipped to a disappointing 18th position on the NPFL 20-club log.

NAN also reports that a total of five goals were scored in the three matches played on Thursday to bring the total of goals scored on Match Day 6 to 15.

The goals came from eight home wins and a draw.

The last Match Day 6 fixture, between Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna and Heartland FC of Owerri, will be played on Wednesday.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

NPFL: Lokosa’s brace lifts Kano Pillars over Plateau United

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Brace
Kano, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) ‎Junior Lokosa scored a brace on Wednesday for Kano Pillars Football Club to beat visiting Plateau United FC 2-0 in a 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.

The Match Day 6 fixture which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano saw Junior Lokosa scoring in the 21st and 27th minutes.

It was a feat which helped him to take his season’s tally to six goals in six games.

Plateau United failed to convert several goal scoring chances as Kano Pillars defenders tenaciously held forth.

Kano Pillars’ coach Ibrahim Musa, after the match, said his heart was filled with joy over his team’s performance against a good side.

“I am happy my boys put in their very best and played according to instructions, and I am happy that we got our three points at home today,’’ he said.

Musa, however, expressed the hope that his players would maintain the winning spirit, especially in away matches.

On their next game against MFM FC in Kano, the coach said his team would go for the maximum point as usual.

On his part, Plateau United’s coach Kennedy Boboye said his team lost because his players failed to convert the scoring chances they had into goals.

“We have to go back home and work on the mistakes we’ve picked up from this match,’’ he said.(NAN )
MNT/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

NPFL review: Kano Pillars halt champions Plateau United as Akwa United maintain top spot

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League
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) Champions Plateau United suffered their second defeat of the season after going down 0-2 against Kano Pillars in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 6 fixture on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the match at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano Junior Lokosa scored both goals for the hosts in the 21st and 27th minutes.

The former First Bank forward has now scored six goals for the four-times NPFL champions this season to top the scorers’ chart.

The win lifted Kano Pillars to third position on the table, while the Jos-based Plateau United remain second behind Akwa United of Uyo.

Akwa United maintained top spot after a 1-1 draw against hosts FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi, with the Anambra Warriors moving one step up to 11th on the NPFL log.

Olisema put the Promise Keepers ahead in the 12th minute, while captain Patrick Ikeokwu levelled scores for the hosts two minutes after the break.

In Akure, Sunshine Stars extended their unbeaten home run with a 1-0 win against visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

Kehinde Adedipe grabbed the winning goal in the 26th minute.

The result meant the Akure-based club side climbed two steps further to the fourth spot on the NPFL log, while El- Kanemi slumped further down to the 13th position.

Enyimba International’s winger Stanley Dimgba scored for the third consecutive game as the Peoples’ Elephant defeated Abia Warriors 1-0 in a local derby at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

It was the second win of the season for the Aba-based Enyimba, and it shot them to an improved seventh position.

The Umuahia-based Abia Warriors slipped four steps down to the 12th position on the log.

MFM FC of Lagos also returned to winning ways, edging out visiting Wikki Tourists 2-1 at the Agege Stadium.

Waheed Adebayo scored the opening goal in the sixth minute after a good work by Jesse Akila.

The lead lasted only 10 minutes before Nafiu Kabuga equalised for Wikki Tourists from the penalty kick spot, while Akila got the winner five minutes before the break.

MFM FC shot to the ninth position, while Wikki Tourists slipped four steps down to the eighth position on the NPFL log.

Yobe Desert Stars also secured a slim 1-0 win against Katsina United in Damaturu, with Chinedu Ohanachom scoring the decisive goal five minutes after the break.

Katsina United slipped three spots down to 10th, while Yobe Stars climbed to the sixth position on the NPFL 20-club log.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 10 goals were scored in six matches played on Match Day 6, with five home wins and a draw recorded.

The other Match Day 6 matches will be played on Thursday.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Kwara United end poor start with slim victory over Wikki Tourists

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Start
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Jan. 25, 2018 (NAN) Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin recorded a 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists of Bauchi to end a three-match poor run in the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday.

The match day four encounter in the NPFL played at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin was the hosts’ first victory of the season.

Stephen Alfred’s free kick from 25 yards out put the struggling hosts ahead in the 14th minute.

After the goal, both teams took the game to each other but fluffed many of their scoring opportunities.

Wikki Tourists’ Clement Udey almost drew the visitors level in the 41st minute, but his effort went inches away from goal.

The visitors returned stronger in the second half, but the return of Akeem Onigbari for the hosts  made life difficult for Wikki Tourists’ attackers.

Kwara United’s Luqman Binuyo was sent off for a second booking with three minutes left to play but the visitors could not take advantage of the opportunity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kwara United had lost 0-2 to Niger Tornadoes on match day one, and 0-1 to MFM FC of Lagos on match day two.

They then suffered a 0-2 defeat to FC IfeanyiUbah.

Kwara United will now travel to Uyo to take on Akwa United on Sunday at the Nest of Champions.(NAN)
OOH/DOE/OLAL
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(Edited by Dianabasi Effiong and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Defending champions Plateau United bounce back in style, as Yobe Stars halt Lobi Stars

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NPFL
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 24, 2018 (NAN) Defending champions Plateau United returned to winning ways after their first Premier League defeat of the season on Wednesday after thrashing El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 in a Match Day 4 fixture.

The Jos-based clubside were stunned 1-0 by Abia Warriors on Sunday and dropped to seventh position on the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) table coming into the game

However, Jimmy Ambrose opened scoring just two minutes into Wednesday home match, while Joshua Obaje added a second four minutes later.

Raphael Ayagwa rounded up scoring for the champions in the 49th minute at the Rwang Stadium in Jos.

Erstwhile table-toppers Lobi Stars, the only club who until Wednesday were yet to lose a game in the league this season, came up short against hosts Yobe Desert Stars in Damaturu.

The Damaturu side who are back in the top flight after 15 years sat in 13th position with three points coming into the game.

But a lone goal by Chinedu Ohanachom in the 74th minute ensured that the hosts leapt to 9th position, while thekir Makurdi-based visitors  slipped to fourth on the NPFL log.

Sunshine Stars and Rivers United clashed in arguably the biggest game of the round at the Akure Township Stadium, with the hosts defeating Rivers United 2-0.

Second half goals from Bala Yahuza and Franklin Sasere in the 76th and 83rd minutes respectively ensured that Sunshine Stars went joint fourth with Lobi Stars.

Rivers United dropped to 14th on the log.

However, the day’s outstanding result saw visiting Akwa United FC of Uyo stun hosts Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

Denis Nya put Akwa United in front from the penalty kick spot in the 23rd minute, but Nosiru Afees got the equaliser for the hosts in the 43rd minute.

Victor Mbaoma then scored the winner for the visitors in the 72nd minute.

The result meant Niger Tornadoes slipped from third position to seventh, with Akwa United moving to second on the league’s log at the end of Match Day 4.

Five other matches were also played on Wednesday, with hosts Kano Pillars defeating Abia Warriors 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The result shot Kano Pillars to third, while Abia Warriors dropped further to eighth position on the log.

MFM FC who were stuck in the relegation zone in the 17th position defeated FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi 2-1 at the Agege Stadium in Lagos to climb to the 13th spot.

Jesse Akila opened scoring in the 14th minute, but Pascal Seka drew level for the visitors in the 31st minute, before Sikiru Olatunbosun got the winner in the 43rd minute.

FC IfeanyiUbah slipped to the sixth position on the NPFL log.

At the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu, Rangers International built on their first win of the season against oriental rivals Heartland away on Sunday by beating visiting Katsina United 1-0.

Godwin Aguda scored the only goal of the match for the hosts in the 78th minute.

The win helped ease pressure on coach Gbenga Ogunbote as the Enugu boys shot to 11th, while Katsina United slumped to 15th on the log.

Bottom-placed Kwara United picked their first win of the campaign against Wikki Tourists in Ilorin, winning 1-0 as Stephen Alfred scored the match’s only goal in the 14th minute.

They had lost all three games this season coming into the game, but the win ensured they climbed one spot from the bottom of the log to 19th, while Wikki Tourists slipped down to 12th.

At Omoku, newcomers Go Round FC of Port Harcourt held Heartland FC of Owerri to a 1-1 draw to slip one step down to 16th, while Heartland maintained their 18th spot.

Chidi Nwachukwu opened scoring in the 9th minute, before Julius Ubido equalised for Heartland in the 53rd minute.

Seven-time champions Enyimba who are with two draws and a defeat from their opening three games will host Nasarawa United at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Thursday.

NAN reports that a total of 19 goals were scored on Match Day 4 with seven home wins, a draw and an away victory recorded.(NAN)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

NPFL: Kano Pillars beat Abia ‎Warriors 2-1

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League
Kano, Jan. 24, 2018 (NAN) Kano Pillars Football Club‎ on Wednesday defeated visiting Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia 2-1 in a Match Day 4 fixture of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

In the match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium before a large number of spectators, the home team took advantage of the massive support to play with confidence.

They therefore dominated most moments of the encounter, even though they fell short of converting many goal scoring chances in the process

Kano Pillars however took the lead in the 28th through Nyima Nwagua, before Ndifere Effiong drew the visitors level in the 60th minute.

Junior Lokosa then scored the winning goal in the 62nd minute ‎to take his season’s tally to four goals in four matches.

Kano Pillars’ coach Ibrahim Musa later told newsmen he was very happy with the match’s outcome, commending his players for winning against a very good side.

On their next game against El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, he said his team would go for the maximum points.

“We will go to Maiduguri to pick the full points, because we know what is at stake,” he said.

“For us to win the league, we need to pick away points and continue to win at home,” he added.

On his part, coach Emmanuel Deutcsch of Abia Warriors gave kudos to his players for living up to expectations in spite of the defeat.

“We will go back to the drawing board so as to win our remaining games,’’ he said.(NAN)
MNT/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Aigbogun wary of Katsina United as Enyimba seek first win

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Enyimba
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 19, 2018 (NAN) Paul Aigbogun, the Technical Adviser of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, on Friday said he was wary about his side’s chances in Sunday’s clash with Katsina United.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two sides will meet in Katsina in a Match Day 3 fixture of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Aigbogun told NAN that his team was very wary of their opponents, adding that it would be a difficult, but interesting game.

“We have respect for Katsina United and are aware of how dangerous they can be, especially at home at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

“The result of their opening game against Kano Pillars showed that they are a very attack-minded side as they took the game to the four-time NPFL champions at their home ground.

“So, it will be an interesting game because I know they will want to create an upset, but I know we will be ready for the game,” he said.

NAN reports that Destiny Ashadi’s goal from 12 yards in stoppage time ensured Katsina United earned a 2-2 draw at home against Kano Pillars on Match Day 1.

Chinedu Ajanah had opened scoring for Katsina United, before Junior Lokosa and Alassan Ibrahim scored for visitors Kano Pillars.

“We have worked very hard in pre-season and now we will try to replicate everything we have worked on in the competitive matches.

“I believe our preparations will be enough to give us the victory away, but there will be no talk of underrating the hosts,” Aigbogun said.

In spite of not having some of his best players available, the coach said his team would put in its very best in the encounter to ensure they got a positive result away from home.

The People’s Elephant lost five of their key players, including two goalkeepers, to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) which started on Saturday in Morocco.

They are also faced with injuries to some key players.

Enyimba have Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Theophilus Afelokhai, Ikouwem Udoh, Austin Oladapo and Ibrahim Mustapha in the CHAN Eagles camp.

Dare Ojo, Mfon Udoh and Joseph Osadaiye are among those yet to fully recover from injuries.

“It is a difficult situation we are in, with five of our players in the CHAN team and with some of our other players yet to return from injuries.

“But we must put that aside if we are to do well in the league and other competitions we are taking part in this season,” Aigbogun said.

“Even though the overall objective is to ensure that we do well at the end of the season, it is imperative for us to continue to send out an early statement of intent, in spite of the hiccups we are experiencing.

“So, I expect my players to give their best in order for us to get our first win or at the very least avoid defeat early in the season.

“Katsina United is a tough ground to visit in what will be our third game of the season, but I trust my players to get the job done irrespective of the challenges before them.”

Enyimba are currently in the 15th position on the 20-club NPFL table with two points from two games so far.

The Aba-based side played out a 1-1 draw against Lobi Stars in Makurdi in their opening game.

They also had a goalless draw against Heartland International of Owerri at the U.J. Esuene Stadium on Wednesday.

Katsina United, with just one point so far, are 17th on the log, having played out a 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars in their opening fixture.

They lost 1-2 to Sunshine Stars of Akure in their second game.

The 2017/2018 NPFL season which began on Jan. 13 is expected to end on Sept. 30.(NAN)
VO/MO/OLAL
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(Edited by Omolade Morayo and Olawale Alabi)