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Tag 2018/2019 NPFL

Sport

Enyimba International crowned champions of 2018/2019 NPFL

Champions
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, June 13, 2019 (NAN) Enyimba International Football Club claimed a record eighth title in emphatic manner on Wednesday in Lagos as they were crowned champions of the abridged 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Aba-based Peoples Elephant on the final day of the Super Six Playoffs at the Agege Stadium beat Akwa United of Uyo 3-0.

Enyimba had emerged for the NPFL Championship Playoffs from Group A of the abridged league alongside Rangers International and defending champions Lobi Stars.

They went on to win four of their five matches, losing only to Kano Pillars FC 0-2, to gather 12 points.

Goals from Rueben Bala in the 43rd minute, Stanley Dimgba in the 60th minute and Bashir Abdulrahman in the 80th minute helped them to put the icing on the victory cake.

Earlier in the day, Rangers International FC of Enugu had beaten FC IfeanyiUbah 4-2 to finish third in the competition and claim the ticket to play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

In the final match of the playoffs, played after Enyimba had beaten Akwa United, Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 to cement their second-place finishing.

It all meant Kano Pillars joined Enyimba in qualifying to represent Nigeria in the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League.

Speaking on their success, the Chairman of Enyimba FC, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, told NAN that their secret was in the philosophy of hard work and focus.

“We have no special thing that we are doing than to focus on the business of football. We work hard and remain focused.

“Maybe we dont entertain distractions in the team, which is very vital to our team’s success.

“For continental football next year, we are going to be at our best. Though many think that it is a familiar terrain for us, but we cannot afford to be complacent about it.

“Enyimba need to do the nation proud again and that will be our target come next season,” he said.

HOW THEY FINISHED
===================

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Enyimba International 5 4 0 1 10 4 +6 12
Kano Pillars 5 3 2 0 8 4 +4 11
Rangers International 5 2 2 1 10 8 +2 8
Akwa United 5 1 3 1 7 9 -2 6
Lobi Stars 5 1 1 3 5 7 -2 4
FC IfeanyiUbah 5 0 0 5 6 14 -8 0
(NAN)
KOJE/OLAL
===========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Kano Pillars beat Delta Force 3-0

League
By Muhammad Nur Tijani‎
Kano, May 20, 2019 (NAN) Kano Pillars Football Club on Monday defeated visiting Delta Force FC of Asaba 3-0 in a 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match.

Team captain Rabiu Ali opened scores from the penalty kick spot in the 19th minute of the Match Day 21 fixture which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The two teams put up more spirited efforts in the second half, but Pillars’  Auwalu Malam and Yusuf Maigoro scored in the 47th and 57th minutes respectively to extend the hosts’ lead.

Although the goals demoralised the visitors, efforts by Delta Force to equalise proved abortive.

‎Speaking after the match, coach Ibrahim Musa of Pillars said the team was now on course to gain a ticket to play on the continent next season.

He also commended his players ‎for their efforts and fighting spirit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Auwalu Malam was voted Man of the Match.(NAN)
MNT/DOE/OLAL
=============

(Edited by Dianabasi Effiong and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Kwara United beat Remo Stars for some succour

NPFL
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, May 20, 2019 (NAN) Relegation-threatened Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin on Monday defeated visiting Remo Stars FC of Sagan 2-1 in a lacklustre game.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Match Day 21 fixture in the abridged 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin.

NAN also reports that both teams played as if nothing was at stake, with the tempo of the game very low in the early stages of the encounter, while the visitors enjoyed more possession.

NAN reports that Kwara United players and officials had earlier in the day protested at the state’s Ministry of Finance to press home a demand for their unpaid salaries and other entitlements.

Kwara United begun the game slowly and allowed Remo Stars to dominate possession from the flanks with Victor Mbaoma tormenting the hosts defence occasionally.

The hosts returned for the second stanza of the match now much better than the visitors with the introduction of Abdulrasaq Alamoyo and Abubakar Chindo to add bite upfront.

Abdullateef Ishola in goal for Kwara United made a big save in the 58th minute from an Mbaoma’s header, but conceded a corner kick in the process.

Mbaoma again timed himself in the 59th minute to connect with Omotayo Adebogun’s corner kick, but he blasted over the bar in the box.

Onwuasonaya Uche broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when his deflected curling effort went straight into the visitors’ net.

The hosts seemed to have found their rhythm as they pressed for more goals and were rewarded once more through a long range effort in the 79th minute of play by Alamoyo.

The young attacker well measured his effort, after noticing Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi was off his line, lobbing the ball above him to make it 2-0.

Map soma reduced the tally in the extra time when he timed Adebogun’s low cross and tapped in from close range to make it 2-1.

Kwara United’s Chief Coach, Suleiman Ashifat, said the team would continue to fight till the end because there was plenty to play for on the last day of the season.

His Remo Stars’ counterpart, Precious Ogunmode, said they would also continue to fight till the end even though they were already relegated.(NAN)
OOH/GOM/OLAL
=============

(Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Gombe United defeat FC IfeanyiUbah

Victory
By Peter Uwumarogie
Gombe, May 13, 2019 (NAN) Gombe United Football Club on Monday defeated visiting FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi 1-0 in a 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Group B fixture.

The hosts secured the lone goal in the 13th minute of the Match Day 19 fixture through Adamu Mohammed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the victory Gombe United moved to 24 points from 19 matches, ahead of their next match against Nasarawa United FC on Wednesday.

At the post-match briefing, coach Ladan Bosso of Gombe United FC praised the visiting team for putting up a good performance, adding that they were determined and young.

Bosso however said Gombe United needed the result more than the visiting team.

He said: “We fought better today because we are fighting for survival, while the visiting team are comfortable on the table.

“I was expecting we would go for more goals to close up against Abia Warriors. That was my target. We worked to get the result.”

On their next match, Bosso said Nasarawa United were familiar foes, adding that they would put in place good strategies towards winning the match.

On his part, Uche Okagbue, the coach of FC IfeanyiUbah, said the match was a good one for them and he was happy because his boys played well.

On the officiating, Okagbue said: “The officiating was a bit fair.

But he was quick to point out that it was not in his nature to criticise referees.

Okagbue, however, expressed confidence in his team picking the maximum three points against Heartland FC of Owerri on Wednesday.

On his team’s poor away record, he said: “the second round has been very unfair to us. But we are confident we will finish strong.”

FC IfeanyiUbah have failed to score in their last five away matches in the league prior to their encounter with Gombe United.(NAN)
UP/IKU/AFA/OLAL
================
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Felix Ajide

Sport

NPFL Match Day 19: MFM FC held at home again

Upset
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, May 12, 2019 (NAN) Lagos-based MFM Football Club on Sunday drew 1-1 against less-fancied Remo Stars FC in a Match Day 19 fixture of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Group A.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hosts came from behind after a shot from Elijah Akanni had created a goalmouth scramble in the 60th minute.

Remo Stars FC had drawn the first blood in the 23rd minute through Victor Chidume.

The draw was the third home draw by MFM FC this season.

This had started with Enyimba FC, a game they drew 1-1 on Match Day 14.

They then recorded a 0-0 draw against the Lobi Stars.

It was the first time Remo Stars FC were picking a point at the Agege Stadium, after five meeting between both teams.

A distraught MFM FC Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, however refused to say much at the end of the match, though he did say the game was not what he expected.

“I cannot comment on the match because this is not what I expected, he said.

Remo Stars FC’s goalscorer Chidume, on his part, said he was extremely happy to have scored against the team he has much respect for.

“I am extremely happy to score the goal, though they came back to draw level. I respect the team so much because of their pedigree in the league.

“It wasn’t a bad result for us. At least we were able to secure a point. Because nobody gave us a chance,” he said.(NAN)
KOJE/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

2018/2019 NPFL: Bendel Insurance beat Katsina United 2-1

Match
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, May 12, 2019 (NAN) Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Sunday defeated visiting Katsina United FC 2-1 in a Group A Match Day 19 fixture of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Adimorama Eze gave the hosts the lead in the 34th minute of the match played at the University of Benin Sports Complex, and went on to double the lead in the 44th minute.

Tasiu Lawal scored the only goal for the visiting team in the 69th minute of play.

Speaking at a post-match conference, Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Baldwin Bazuaye expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance.

“Today’s win for us was a good one, and we deserved to win the game. My players put on their best.

“We have to be thankful to our Supporters Club and fans who were showing their support all through the game.

“We will ensure that we do the entire state proud by remaining in the elite league.

“We have to keep working hard game after game to remain in the top-flight,” he said.

Also speaking, the Head Coach of Katsina United, Abdullahi Biffo, commended the match’s officiating, saying he believes that referees are human and they are bound to make mistakes.

“The home team were more hungry for success, and it showed in the way they came at us from the beginning. They were all in our penalty area throughout the game,” he said.(NAN)
AJOM/OLAL
==========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Kano Pillars beat visiting Go‎ Round FC 2-0

League
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, May 1‎2,2019 (NAN)
Kano Pillars ‎Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Go Round FC of Omoku 2-0 in a Group B Match Day 19 fixture of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

In the match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Auwalu Malam scored in the 20th minute to put the visitors ahead.‎

Kano Pillars left back Chris Madaki doubled the lead in the 39th minute of the entertaining encounter.‎

The visitors made several efforts to equalise thereafter, but the brilliant efforts of the Kano Pillars defenceline denied them any chance of getting a goal.‎‎

Speaking with newsmen after the match, Kano Pillars’ head coach Ibrahim Musa commended his players for their team work and fighting spirit.‎

“We are playing well, and will not take any team for granted until we achieve our target of finishing in the top bracket,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Auwalu Malam of Kano Pillars was voted Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.‎(NAN)
MNT/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
‎

Sport

2018/2019 NPFL: Bendel Insurance beat Rangers International 2-1

NPFL
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, April 25, 2019 (NAN) Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Thursday beat Rangers International FC of Enugu 2-1 in a rescheduled 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the match which saw Rangers’ Seka Pascal being sent off in the 21st minute, Junior Osaghae put Insurance in the driving seat.

After the 36th minute goal, Rangers braced up to the battle and fought back immediately, with Kelvin Itoya levelling the game two minutes later.

Sodje Stephen gave the home team the lead in the 52nd minute of the game.

Speaking after the match, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Baldwin Bazuaye, expressed delight with his players’ performance throughout the game.

Bazuaye thanked the team’s fans for their support, saying his players were ready to put smiles on their faces.

Also speaking, the head coach of Rangers International FC, Gbenga Ogunbote, said he was impressed with his players’ performance even when the game did not end in their favour.

The Edo Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu, who also watched the match said the game’s officiating was fair.

“Edo is safe for referees. Today’s officiating is commendable, compared to what we had in the last four games,” he said.(NAN)
AJOM/GOM/OLAL
===============

(Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Gombe United hold Pillars in Kano

League
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, April 21, 2019 (NAN) Kano Pillars Football Club and Gombe United FC on Sunday drew 1-1 in a Group B week 16 match of the 2018/20179 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).‎

Hosts Kano Pillars showed good resilience from the first to the last blast of the referee’s whistle in the match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.‎

The home side however put much more pressure on Gombe United in the first half, resulting in a penalty kick in the 45th ‎minute, which Rabiu Ali brilliantly converted.

Gombe United fought back in the second half, and Adamu Muhammad took advantage of a defensive mix-up in the 48th minute to equalise for the visitors. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kano Pillars fans resorted to booing their team’s coach, Ibrahim Musa, in the second half.

That was after losing hope of their team winning the match.‎

Speaking later, Gombe United’s coach Ladan Bosso said his aim was to help his team pick the maximum points from the match in order to avoid relegation.

Bosso, however, said the match was a difficult one for his team, and praised his players for fighting relentlessly to get the draw.

Kano Pillars now have 24 points from 16 games and will host Plateau United next week.(NAN)
MNT/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

‎

Sport

NPFL: Kwara United in slim win over group leaders MFM FC

NPFL
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, April 8, 2019 (NAN) A 54th minute own goal by Olawale Abisoye on Sunday gave hosts Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin a 1-0 win over visiting MFM FC of Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win was in a Group A Match Day 14 fixture of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Abisoye scored against his team in an attempt to clear his line after Kwara United’s Shamsuden Hashim had ran clear of the visitors’ defenceline

Kwara United would have been ahead in the third minute of play when Uwana Asuquo was afforded much time and space to unleash a right-footed effort which went close.

The hosts dominated the early proceedings, but could have equally found themselves behind as goalkeeper Olawale Oremade dropped a cross under no pressure.

But Temim Adebayo could not score from six yards, to the relief of many at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin.

At the other end, Lookman Binuyo’s corner kick was met by Sunday Akinmoladun whose header was comfortably gathered by Olatunji Odekunle with half an hour gone.

Both sides came close to finding the back of the net in the closing stages of the first half.

Ernest Chidiebere got at the end of a throw-in, but saw his attempt cleared before MFM FC’s Michael Ohanu tame effort was saved by goalkeeper Oremade.

Kwara United nearly doubled the lead, when Binuyo once again was the architect of a move down the left wing.

His pullout was volleyed towards goal by Uche Onwuasonaya with Olatunji beaten, but Jonathan Zikiye was on hand to clear.

MFM FC nearly got an equaliser with fifteen minutes to go, when Akuneto Chijioke connected Zikiye’s throw-in but Chinedu Nwanze cleared his line.

The hosts kept their nerves during the closing stages of the game to hang on to the maximum three points.

MFM FC’s coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who conceded defeat in his reactions to the result, said he was happy with his players’ performance.

“The better side won. They are very strong at home. We came here with a game plan to at least pick a point, but our performance wasn’t bad” Ilechukwu said.(NAN)
OOH/KTO/OLAL
==============

(Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Olawale Alabi)