Enugu Rangers reclaimed top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League after defeating Heartland of Owerri 2-0 in the oriental derby at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes took the lead through Kazeem Ogunleye in the third minute with his third goal of the season, while Kenneth Igboke doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute.
Rangers top the standings with 13 points from seven games, same points with second placed 3SC.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars return to winning ways after thrashing Niger Tornadoes 4-1 at the Lekan Salami stadium on Sunday. Ayobami Adekunle gave 3SC the lead 17 minutes into the game, while Chidiebere Ernest equalised for Tornados 10 minutes before halftime.
Samuel Bamidele, Gbologade Adelowo and Kareem Ayinde scored the other three goals for Shooting Stars in the second half to earn them their biggest win of the season. The Gbenga Ogunbote’s team now occupy the second position on the log with 13 points.
In Aba, Champions Enyimba beat Kwara United 1-0 with Chijioke Mbaoma netting the winning goal from the penalty spot in added minutes of the first half.
In the Savannah Derby, Doma United defeated Gombe United 3-0 away from home on Sunday at the Pantami Stadium.
After a goalless first half, the second 45 minutes came alive as Doma United took the lead in the 52nd minute through Emmanuel Ekpeyong’s goal with goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi providing the assist. Two minutes later, goalkeeper Osayi made another assist, as the away side went two goal up. Emmanuel Jesam then put the icing on the cake when he made it 3-0 in the 86th minute.
Kingdom Osayi has made history in the NPFL, as he became the first goalkeeper to produce two assists and a clean sheet in a game.
Bendel Insurance handed Remo Stars their second defeat of the season after beating them 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Sunday. Ismail Sarki scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute .
Ibrahim Dehinde scored a brace for Abia Warriors in their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Katsina United on Sunday. Dehinde scored in the 11th and 21st minutes to earn Warriors all the three points, as they move to 4th on the log. Falolu Azeez scored the consolation goal for Katsina United four minutes from time.
FULL RESULTS
Abia warriors 2-1 Katsina Utd
Akwa Utd 0-0 Plateau Utd
Bendel 1-0 Remo stars
Rangers 2-0 Heartland
Enyimba 1-0 Kwara Utd
Rivers utd 1-1 Sunshine stars
Shooting Star 4-1 Niger Tornadoes
Gombe Utd 0-3 Doma Utd
