The Nigeria Premier Football League was back in full swing this weekend as 18 teams went up against each other in the rescheduled round of fixtures, with Enyimba, Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes making the biggest headlines.
The People’s Elephant kicked off the weekend action in the abridged league format with a trip to Nasawara United in Group A, and they recorded a huge 2-1 win courtesy of first half goals from Elijah Akanni and Imoh Obot while Josiah Oche halved the deficit in the 87th minute for the Solid Miners.
In Sunday’s action, the biggest result in Group A came from the New Jos Stadium where Ibadan outfit Shooting Stars held Plateau United to a 3-3 draw. The Oluyole Warriors established a 3-1 lead after 65 minutes but the Peace Boys were not finished yet as Izuchukwu Chimezie and Onyebuchi Ifeanyi clawed the way back for them.
In other Group A results on Sunday, Kwara United were held to a goalless draw by Gombe United while Remo Stars earned a comfortable 2-0 win over newly-promoted El Kanemi Warriors in Ikenne.
Group B only witnessed one home win with reigning champions Rivers United getting the better of Lobi Stars 2-1 in Port Harcourt. Lobi were reduced to 10 men after Sunday Chukwu was given a second yellow card with the game tied at 1-1. Bolaji Sakin turned out to be the hero, netting from the penalty spot in the 10th minute of added time.
Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes made big statements as they won 2-0 at 2016 NPFL champions Enugu Rangers and Wiki Tourists respectively. Bello Lukman and Yakub Hammed were the scorers for the Warriors while Issah Saidu and David Okoromi were on target for Tornadoes.
The remaining Group B games saw Bayelsa United against Dakkada FC and newly-promoted Doma United against Sunshine Stars all end in 1-1 draws, Daniel Daga and Yusuf Ibrahim netting equalisers in the dying minute for Dakkada and Sunshine respectively.
NPFL action will continue in midweek with 10 fixtures taking place in Group A and B on Wednesday and Thursday, the biggest of all coming from Aba where Enyimba host Akwa United.
