NPFL ROUNDUP: SHOOTING STARS WIN AWAY AT KWARA UNITED, BAYELSA UNITED DEMOSLISHES ABIA WARRIORS

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By Diegwu Nwankwor

Bayelsa United stole the bright lights on a day leaders in both groups failed to win but retained their places atop both groups on MatchDay 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The weekend saw drama aplenty with goals and surprise results.

In Group A, Bendel Insurance’s stretched their unbeaten run to 12 after drawing 1-1 with Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium, Jos. Izuchukwu Chimezie gave Plateau United the lead in the 43rd minute but Echeta Ugonna rescued the point for Insurance when he scored the equalizer in the 72nd minute.

Akwa United moved to second on the log after beating Enyimba 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Uche Collins scored the all important goal in the 72nd minute to seal all three points for the Promise Keepers.

Shooting Stars revived their chances of moving into the championship playoff after grabbing a vital away win at Kwara United with a 0-1 win. Joshua Akpan scored in the 94th minute for Shooting who are now four points from the playoff spots.

Lobi Stars regained top of Group B after playing out a 1-1 draw with Enugu Rangers at Awka. Elijah Ani put Lobi ahead in the 60th minute but Godwin Obaje equalized for Rangers. The draw moves Lobi to top of the table on 20 point ahead of Rivers United that have an outstanding game in hand due to continental engagement.

Doma United moved into the Championship playoff spots after defeating Niger Tornados 2-1 at the Pantani Stadium, Gombe. Doma took the lead in the 28th minute when Musa Usman converted from the penalty spot but Tornadoes equalized just after half time in the 47th minute through Mark Daniel. However, Doma would have the last laugh when Charles Chibuike nodded in from close range in the 78th minute to seal all three points.

Abia Warriors missed the chance to go top of the table in a heavy defeat to Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenegoa. In what was a high scoring first half Bayelsa United raced to a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Robert Mizo in the sixth minute, Alex Jerry in the 26th minute, Alex Oyowah in the 30th minute and Ikechi Stephen in the 38th minute. Abia Warriors pulled one goal back in the 41st minute. However, Alex Oyowah got his brace in the 44th minute to make it 5-1.

Wikki Tourists beat Dakkada 3-1 in Bauchi in a relegation six pointer. Amah Chibundu gave Wikki the lead in the 25th minute but Jonathan Prosper equalized for Dakkada in the 44th minute. Wikki retook the lead when Salisu Ibrahim Magaji scored in the 53rd minute while Chibundu Amah got his brace in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1 for Wikki and seal the points.

On Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors added to the troubles of Nasarawa United in a 2-1 defeat of the Lafia side. The defeat saw Coach of Nasarawa United quitting the club

NPFL23 MD12 Results

Kwara Utd 0-1 3SC

Plateau Utd 1-1 Insurance

Akwa Utd 1-0 Enyimba

Bayelsa Utd 5-1 Abia Warriors

Doma Utd 2-1 Tornadoes

Wikki 3-1 Dakkada

Rangers 1-1 Lobi

Remo Stars 0-0 Gombe Utd (paused at HT)

Nasarawa 1-2 El Kanemi