Abia Warriors of Umuahia defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan 3-2 at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.
3SC had a bright start to the game scoring first in the 39th minute through a header by Anayor Ogbonna. Abia Warriors levelled up in the closing stages of the first half, through Kelechi Nnochiri. Shooting Stars however threw away a golden opportunity to restore their lead when Gbolagade Adelowo missed a penalty kick, after Kareem Demola was fouled in the box, to end the first half 1-1.
The hosts shot into the lead from the spot after Anaemena Ifeanyi converted a penalty kick awarded his side after the referee claimed that goalkeeper Anozie Chinedu had fouled an Abia Warriors player. A mix up in the 3SC rear, gifted the homers a cheap third goal, which was scored by Samson Obi, with just nine minutes remaining. However, Kareem Demola tapped in from close range late in the game to end the match 3-2.
Albert Hilary scored a hat-trick for Plateau United as they thrashed Bayelsa United 5-1 at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday. Silas Nenrot and Izuchukwu Chimezie scored the other two goals for the former champions, while Ekeson Okorie netted Bayelsa United’s only goal of the game.
Remo Stars went down to 2-1 defeat against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday. Ibrahim Mustapha put Pillars infront five minutes after the break, but the Remo Stars fought back with Dayo Ojo netting the equaliser in the 72nd minute. However, veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali scored the winning goal for Pillars six minutes later.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars maintained top position on the Nigeria Premier Football League table despite the defeat.
At the Lafia City Stadium, Solomon Oganbor and Suleiman Mojereola were on target as Lobi Stars ended Doma United’s unbeated run after a 2-1 victory on Sunday. It was Doma’s first defeat in nine league games.
Five-time champions Heartland of Owerri defeated former champions Akwa United 1-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri with Chidiebere Ajoku netting the winner late in the first half.
In Awka, Enugu Rangers defeated Sporting Lagos 2-0, with Austin Onyemaechi and Kenechukwu Agu scoring for the Flying Antelopes.
In another game, Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw in Ilorin.
FULL RESULTS
Abia warriors 3-2 shooting stars
Rangers Int 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Heartland 1-0 Akwa Utd
Kwara Utd 0-0 Tornadoes
Lobi stars 2-0 Doma Utd
Plateau Utd 5-1 Bayelsa Utd
Sunshine Star 1-1 Gombe Utd
