Remo Stars failed to close the gap on top position in Group A after falling to a 3-1 defeat against Akwa United on Sunday in the Matchday 6 of the 2022/23 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Sky Blues Stars were dealt a huge blow in Uyo by the 2021 NPFL champions and denied the chance to reduce Bendel Insurance’s, who were held to a goalless draw by Gombe United yesterday, lead in the group standings to just one point.
Cyril Olisema opened the scoring for Akwa United in the 5th minute. Twenty minutes later, Qudus Akanni equalised for Remo Stars before Uche Collins restored the hosts’ advantage in the cusp of the first half through a powerful header.
In the 55th minute, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Andy Okpe was booked for the second time in the game and sent off.
Five minutes later, Olalere Segun’s own goal sealed the victory for Akwa United as ‘The Promise Keepers’ moved to fourth on the table; tied on the same points(10) with Enyimba and Plateau United.
Meanwhile, in the other Group A games that were played today, following the 1-0 loss to Remo Stars last week, Enyimba beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 at the Enyimba International Stadium to return to winning ways.
Two first-half goals by Chukwuemeka Obioma were enough to hand Finidi George and his team the three points as they fly to third in the standings while El-Kanemi Warriors remain in the relegation zone – Obioma has now scored four league goals for Enyimba this season.
Plateau United and Shooting Stars both enjoyed home victories against Kwara United and Nasarawa United respectively. Both teams increased their campaign’s points total to 10 points and 8 points respectively and trailing each other in the fifth and sixth positions.
Plateau United pip Kwara United by a lone goal which was scored in the 30th minute from Murtala Dagbo’s own goal while Shooting Stars (3SC) defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 loss to Gombe United.
Samuel Ayanrinde grabbed both goals for Shooting Stars just two minutes apart in the 39th and 41st minute to secure the victory for Oluyole Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo state.
In Group B, Doma United stunned reigning champions Rivers Stadium at the Gombe Township Stadium as the newcomers came from behind to pick up a surprising 2-1 against ‘The Pride of Rivers’.
Ngweni Ndassi Kadiang put Rivers United ahead in the 25th minute before Musa Usman responded nine minutes later to equalise for the hosts. Usman grabbed his second of the evening towards the final quarter of the game to steal the win for Doma.
The defeat meant Rivers United slipped to second place in the group standings while Doma United jumped fourth on the table with nine points.
Both Sunshine Stars and Wikki Tourists recorded 1-0 victories in their games against Bayelsa United and Enugu Rangers in Akure and Bauch respectively.
At the Ondo State Township Stadium, Stephen Chukwude scored the only goal as Sunshine Stars defeated newcomers Bayelsa United to return to winning ways following a controversial 1-0 loss to Lobi Stars in their last league match.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists, who were on a five-game winless run, pipped Enugu Rangers by a lone goal at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium to record their first win in the ongoing season thanks to Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu first half strike.
Finally, the only stalemate in today’s round of matches occurred at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna where Lobi Stars, who were on a four-game winning streak were held to a goalless draw by struggling Niger Tornadoes.
Despite the upset, Lobi Stars leaped to top of the group standings with 13 points tied with reigning champions Rivers United but the Benue state-based club has a superior goal difference.
Full NPFL Matchday 6 results below;
Yesterday
Bendel Insurance 0-0 Gombe United
Dakkada FC 2-4 Abia Warriors
Today
Enyimba Int’l 2-0 Elkanemi Warriors
Akwa United 3-1 Remo Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
Shooting Stars 2-0 Nasarawa United
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Bayelsa United
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Rangers Int’l
Doma United 2-1 Rivers United
