Olorunfemi Victor
Actions resumed for the second half of the 2021/2022 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Saturday after two-weeks mid season break as Match day 20 provided some brilliant results across different centres in the country.
Eight matches were played on Sunday as one was played on Saturday producing a total of 15 goals in the course of actions.
The tittle race is still Open after 20 rounds of matches played, Rivers United still sits on the top of the log with 43 points, followed closely by Plateau United in the second position with 41 points and Enugu Rangers are placed third with 34 points.
Meanwhile in the bottom of the league, the battle for survival is still on as Katsina United who are yet to play are 17th with 21 points, Dakkada 18th with 21 points, MFM 19th with 20 points and Heartland are bottom of the table with 20 points also.
In Uyo, defending champions, Akwa United held Rivers United to a one-all draw in Coach Ayeni’s first test as the gaffer of the Promise Keeper at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
Rivers United opened the scoring in the 17th minute from an own goal by Etim Matthew however, Adeyeye Adeyemi equalized for the host just two minutes into the second half.
Two second half goals by Raphael Ayagwa and Godfrey Utim at the Aper Aku Stadium were enough to give Lobi Stars their first win in six games.
Sunshine Stars impressive home record continued in the league as Kolade Adeniji’s 78th minute strike was enough to secured the maximum three points for the Owena Whales.
Despite going ahead first in the 34th minute from Hadi Haruna’s goal,
Kwara United came from behind to defeat Remo Stars, goals from Kabiru Balogun and Samad Kadiri were enough to give the Afonja Warriors their much needed win.
Enyimba secured a comfortable home win against visitors, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi as Abel James’ 37th minute goal and a 49th minute strike by Victor Mbaoma gave Finidi George’s side a 2-0 victory at the Enyimba Stadium.
In other fixtures, Gombe United defeated four times NPFL Champions, Kano Pillars at the Pantami Stadium. Shooting stars suffered a defeat in Lafia.
FULL RESULTS:
Akwa Utd 1-1 Rivers Utd
Lobi Stars 2-0 Rangers
Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Shooting Stars
MFM 1-0 Heartland
Enyimba 2-0 Wikki Tourists
Gombe Utd 1-0 Kano Pillars
Kwara United 2-1 Remo Stars
Sunshine 1-0 Plateau Utd
Tornadoes 1-0 Dakkada FC
