NPFL Review: Sunshine Stars record first win, Remo Stars extend unbeaten run

Matchday five served us more excitement in the NPFL as Sunshine Stars claimed their first win of the

campaign after four games, while Enugu Rangers preserved their unbeaten away form at Kwara United.

Elsewhere, the champions suffered a second defeat in seven days as Lobi pipped them in Makurdi, Enyimba needed a late goal to beat newly promoted Shooting Stars as more drama evolved in Benin between Nasarawa United and Dakkada.

The games have come gone, let’s take a look at the highlights and how they happened.

Elephants managed to cross the line In the weekend’s biggest game as per history, Enyimba found Shooting Stars difficult to crack as it took a late goal from debutant Godwin Emmanuel for them to return to winning ways.

Finidi George’s side had lost to Rivers United and Kano Pillars in their previous two games and were under pressure to deliver against the Oluyole Warriors.

Despite bossing possession for large spells during the game, the Elephants could not find a way past the dogged defense of the visitors.

Skipper Austin Oladapo, who was returning from his doping suspension, was involved in the build-up late on as Emmanuel tapped home to give much relief to the technical bench and the fans.

Champions’ visit ends in defeat

Defending champions Akwa United lost 1-0 to Lobi Stars in Makurdi - their 12th consecutive loss at the Pride of Benue.

Akwa United dominated the opening half but could not find the opening goal as they were wasteful in front of goal.

After the break, the home side changed their approach and began creating chances of their own and the much-needed goal arrived late in the game as Austin Ogunye’s cut-back was tapped home by Saidu Mubarak.

The win took Eddy Dombraye side’s tally to eight points from five games, one more than the Promise Keepers.

Dakkada win “away from home”

Dakkada, who were banished to Benin by the League Management Company for the misconduct of their assistant coach, dug deep to beat Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.

Veteran Aniekan Ekpe gave the Uyo-side the best of starts by smashing home a penalty in the third minute before Michael Tochukwu scored from an indirect free-kick to level the scoring for the Solid Miners later in the first half.

However, it was Emmanuel Ayaosi who popped up with the winner in stoppage time to gift the Chosens their second win of the season, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start to the season.

Remo Stars are still unbeaten in the NPFL this season

The Sky remains blue

Remo Stars claimed a hard-fought win over Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Plateau United on Sunday to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s side were dominant in possession, missing several chances in the opening half to go in front and the few times they managed to get the attempts on target Panshak Silas stood strong to make a couple of excellent saves.

However, winger Samuel Anakwe headed home in the 55th minute to help the Ikenne-side claim their third win of the campaign and increase their lead at the top to two points ahead of second-placed Rivers United.

Away comfort continues for Rangers

Samuel Chisom’s brilliant opening goal for Kwara United was canceled out by a thumping header from Ossy Martins off an exquisite cross from Julius Ikechukwu for Rangers minutes after the break.

The home side had the chance to go in front from the spot after Ernest Governor was penalised for handing the ball in the area but skipper Chris Nwaeze sent his effort against the crossbar as the Harmony Boys dropped points at home for the first time this season.

The result left both sides on eight points, three off table topping Remo Stars.

OTHER RESULTS

Sunshine Stars scored their first goal and claimed their first win of the campaign by thrashing Kano

Pillars 3-0 in Ijebu Ode on Sunday. Kamaru Adebari, Michael Olulasi and Babatunde Bello scored for the Owena Whales in ten second half minutes to send Sai Masu Gida bottom of the log.

Chukwudi Nwaodu’s first-half penalty decided the game between Heartland and Wikki Tourists in Owerri. While MFM edged Abia Warriors 2-1 in Lagos. Muyiwa Balogun’s first-half opener and a sublime free-kick goal from substitute Oladayo Alabi put them ahead before Chidi Nwachukwu halved the scoreline late on, but the Olukoya Boys were resolute and secured a much-needed win.

Dauda Madaki’s brace canceled out Ibrahim Yahaya’s opener for Gombe United as Katsina United claimed a comeback 2-1 win over the Savannah Scorpions in Katsina, while Niger Tornadoes and Rivers United played out a goalless draw on Saturday.

RESULTS

Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Rivers United

Katsina Utd 2-1 Gombe Utd

Heartland 1-0 Wikki Tourists

Dakkada 2-1 Nasarawa Utd

Lobi stars 1-0 Akwa United

Enyimba 1-0 3SC

Sunshine stars 3-0 Kano Pillars

Kwara Utd 1-1 Rangers

MFM 2-1 Abia Warriors

Remo Stars 1-0 Plateau Utd