Abia Warriors continue their push for a top-three finish after a draw away from home, while El Kanemi Warriors and Heartland FC did their relegation fight a whole lot of good with a win, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahi Warriors drew 1-all with Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna after Mohammed Hussaini's 50th minutes goal was canceled by Emmanuel Iwu's 90+ 3 minutes own goal.

The win keeps the Warriors in third with a point better than Ikorodu City and two points better than Enyimba, who are fourth on the log.

Ikorodu City came from behind to beat Bayelsa United 3-2 in Lagos, while Enyimba beat Kwara United 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Brown Ideye.

Heartland FC defeated Plateau United 2-0 to stay afloat of the relegation waters after a brace by Suraju Lawal in the 17th and 75th minutes.

The win puts Heartland FC in 16 place with a better goal difference than Niger Tornadoes that are 17th position.

El Kanemi Warriors also defeated league champions, Remo Stars, 2-0 in Maiduguri to stay in 15th.

Relegated, Lobi Stars continue their winless streak after losing a goal lead before losing 1-2 to Nasarawa United.

Japhet Kundushima opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Shina Kumater equalised on 48 minutes and Anas Yusuf won on 59 minutes.

Uche Dozie

Nigeriasoccernet.com can report that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has summoned Lobi Stars' media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, to appear before its Disciplinary Committee following allegations he made regarding players' involvement in betting activities.

Ujah had, in a publication and accompanying audio recording, suggested that some players were placing bets on NPFL matches — a serious accusation that prompted the league body to take swift action.

In a letter signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league noted that the claims not only suggest possible match-fixing but also appear to undermine the integrity of the league and violate its Code of Conduct for Officials.

“We have taken note of certain statements which border on alleged match-fixing and players betting on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matches and fixtures," the letter reads.

“The said report appears to contravene the League’s Code of Conduct for Officials by casting aspersions on the integrity of the NPFL and the League’s governance structure. These actions are considered detrimental to the reputation of the NPFL and its stakeholders.”

The disciplinary inquest is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, at the NPFL headquarters in Abuja. The invitation, routed through Lobi Stars' club management, emphasized that Ujah’s appearance is mandatory.

He is expected to provide any relevant evidence or representations to support the claims made in his report.

A late goal from Boluwaji Sholumade sealed the all-important points at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

After a cagey affair leading to a scoreless situation from the first half to the 80th minute, the hosts got the goal following a great delivery from Taiwo Abdulrafiu and Boluwaji David headed the Pride of Rivers in front in the 84th minutes.

Lobi Stars played a 1-all draw against visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure in their Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 32 encounters held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Ahmadu Liman opened the score for Sunshine Stars on 19 minutes, but the hosts failed to get the equalizer after they were awarded a penalty after Okafor Onyekachi’s goal-bound shot was handled by a Sunshine defender, but Onyekachi’s subsequent spot-kick was saved by the goalkeeper, keeping the visitors in front at the break.

In the 55th minute, Johnmark Aule calmly slotted home from close range after a well-timed pass from Onyekachi, bringing Lobi Stars back on level terms.

Lobi Stars' momentum in search of a winner ended when goalkeeper Itodo Akor was shown a red card for handling the ball outside his area on 85 minutes.

Lobi Emmanuel Danel comes on for Onyekachi Okafor who is sacrificed in the change as the match ended 1-1.

In a game riddled with controversy, Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City played a goalless draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

Mohammed Hussaini's goal in 33 minutes and Ahmed Family's 90 minutes penalty sealed a 2-0 win for Niger Tornadoes against El Kanemi Warriors.

Uche Dozie

https://twitter.com/LobiStars/status/1899915113152602254?t=O-eabvqv_MEE1GZ5uJJ7rQ&s=19

The former MFM, Vandrezzer FC, and Katsina United will be in charge until the end of the season.

He's the fifth different manager the club has had this season, but they remain 20th on the log with 23 points from 28 games.

Uche Dozie

Ikorodu City inflicted more pain to drowning Lobi Stars at their newly adopted home in their NPFL match day 28 fixture on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Shola Adelani struck in the second half to give the Oga Boys a valuable three points away from home at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The Lagos side got the goal in the 81st minutes following a fine run by Leonard Ngenge who crosses from the left to a free Adelani to tap it in into an open net.

The win takes Ikorodu City to third position on the log, a point better than Shooting Stars that lost 1-0 against Katsina United.

Uche Dozie 

Rangers International secured their first big win of the season in the Nigeria Premier Football League against Lobi Stars on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The reigning champions who didn't have the best start to the season are gradually getting to where they used to be after beating Lobi Stars 3-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The champions raced into a two-goal lead within 5 minutes after Frank Uwumiro scored on 26 minutes off Obaje's assist.

Kenneth Igboke made 2-0 4 minutes after a powerful shot from 25 minutes beat goalkeeper Emma Daniel

Ifeanyi Onyebuchi made it 3-0 a minute with a close-range finish before the end of the first half.

The second half saw no goal despite attempts by both sides as the Flying Antelopes recorded their 6th win of the campaign which takes them third of the log.

Uche Dozie

Ikorodu City got their second win of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season after beating Lobi Stars on Monday in Lagos, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The newbies of the league stunned Lobi Stars 4-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium, Lagos to continue a fine form that keeps them unbeaten in 3 games.

The first goal came as early as the second minute after Salau Yusuf connected well to Waliu's cross to get his first league goal to put Ikorodu in the lead.

Emmanuel Solomon also got his first league goal 17 minutes later to increase the lead for the host courtesy of an assist from Harrison Austin.

However, the happy feeling was cut short by Ifeanyi Assurance who scored a brace in added time to draw Lobi level at half time.

The Lagos side did not fret, but came out for the second half with a high momentum and few minutes later they were in the lead again.

A fantastic cross from Harrison Austin was brilliantly headed home by Alade Solomon to put Ikorodu back in the lead in the 56th minute.

Their 2-goal lead was restored 2 minutes later as Rivio Ayemwenre beautifully curled home the ball off Austin's third assist of the game.

Ikorodu City did enough to see off the game to take maximum points at the blast of the whistle.

The win takes them to 17 on 8 points while Lobi Stars drop to 20 on 6 points.

Uche Dozie 

Nigeria Premier Football League side, Lobi Stars have announced 15 new signings ahead of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Finished last season in sixth place, the club after recently extending  the contract of head coach Eugene Agagbe to 2026 have given him 15 new players as they aim to return to the continent and possibly win the Nation's topflight league title.

Among the new signing is Hilega Bemshima who was impressive during the club's pre-season tour. He was signed from a grassroot club in Markudi local government. Also joining the team from the grassoot is Komgbenda Joseph from Vadeikya local government.

Full list of Lobi Stars new signings:

Hilega Bemshima - Forwad (Markudi local government)

Komgbenda Joseph - Attacking Mildfieder  (Vadeikya local government)

Terna Peter Yoonen - Center-Back (Gboko local governemt)

Aondoyavenga Japhet - Forward (Markudi local government)

Torkuma Gyenkwe - Center-Back (Gboko local governemt)

Ifeanyi Assurance - Midfielder (Bayelsa United)

Valentine Igiga - Right-Back (Gombe United)

Jide williams - Center-Back (Bendel Insurance)

Baba Tunde - Center-Back (Akwa United)

Ossy Martins - Forwad (Remo Stars)

Samuel Anefiok - Forward (Doma United)

Akor Itodo - Goalkeeper (Gombe United)

Jimmy Iteji - Defensive Midfielder (Plateau United)

Segun Oluwatobiloba - Attacking Midfielder (Ijebu United)

Matthew Arinze - Center-Back (Abia Warriors)

The team will today Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 take on Mighty Jets FC in a pre-season at the New Jos Stadium, Zaria Road by 2pm.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi has announced the contract extension of head coach, Eugene Agagbe, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Having led the Pride of Benue to a sixth place finish at the end of last season which ended his initial contract, the club is trusting him to lead them during the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Coach Agagbe has officially agreed to continue as our head coach on a two-year contract until 2026. The club's VC and CEO, Dominic Iorfa said the decision to extend his stay at the club aligns with the goals of the club to achieve tremendous heights next season.

A delightful coach Agagbe said that he is happy to renew his contract with the club and pledged not to disappoint on the opportunity given to him.

He expressed confidence with the calibre of players that will prosecute the 2024/2025 football campaign for the club saying that the decision to acquire the services of grassroots players is to complement the vision of the club to expose the players at the global stage.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Bendel Insurance who won the title in 2023 have been knocked out of the competition by Nigeria National League side, Wikki Tourist in the round of 32, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/BendelInsurance/status/1793348096530710571?t=-g6K_cC1Dr1JMPrzWhsudA&s=19

The Benin Arsenals lost 2-0 to Wikki Tourist at the Area 3 Field, Abuja on Wednesday after second half goal by Damala and Owolabi.

After a goalless affair in the first half, Damala on 69 minute and Owolabi after 2 minutes of additional time secured victory for the Bauchi side to see them progress to the next round.

Goals from Christian Pyagbara on 6 minute and Adams Agba on 74 minute ensured Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan triumphed over Lobi Stars of Makurdi at the Awka City Stadium,Awka.

At Ahmadu Bello Tafawa Stadium, Bauchi, Kano Pillars edged Doma United 1-0 courtesy of a goal by club legend Rabiu Ali on 88 minute.

An equaliser at the dead of the tie by Opeoluwa Olufemi saw Sunshine Stars take match against Plateau United to penalties before beating the Peace Boys 3-2 to progress to the next round.

President Federation Cup Round 32 Results

FC ONE Rocket 0-1 Enyimba

Shooting Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

Sunshine Stars 1-1 (4-3) Plateau United

Hammola 0-0 (1-4) Inter Lagos

EFCC 0-0 (4-3) Edel FC

Katsina United 1-0 Bayelsa United

Warri Wolves 0-1 Kwara United

Nasarawa United 0-1 Sokoto United

Doma United 0-1 Kano Pillars

Wikki Tourists 2-0 Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors 1-0 Sporting Supreme

Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

El-kanemi Warriors 3-0 Gombe United (W/O)

Thursday

Akwa United vs Zamfara United Feeders

Ikorodu City vs Coal City

ABS FC vs Kebbi United

By Uche Dozie 

Niger Tornadoes continued their fine form to get a big win over strugglers, Gombe United while Lobi Stars got a slim win over Enyimba to go joint top of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ikon Allah boys were too much to handle for the Savannah Scorpions as they won 5-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Sunday.

In form striker Clinton Jepta opened score with a 6 minute curler before Chidiebere Ernest scored from close range an Adeyinka Najeem's free kick.

The second half saw the hosts continue on a high as a foul on Chidiebere Ernest resulted in a free-kick which was scored by Mohammed Hussaini 5 minutes into the half.

Clinton Jephta clipped down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted by Bashir Usman on 76 minute before Jeptha scored his brace to put the icing on the cake.

Lobi Stars piped reigning champions, Enyimba 1-0 to be at joint top of the league with Rangers International courtesy of a goal by Alao Danbani on 58 minute.

Bendel Insurance and Bayelsa United both secured 1 point each on the road after playing a 1-1 draw against Kwara United and Sunshine Stars.

Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi had opened score for Insurance on 25 minute before Isaiah Ejeh equalled scored for Kwara United on  64 minute from the spot as it ended 1-1.

Muniru Abdulrahman opened score on 38 minute for Bayelsa United before Tunde Adeniji restored parity for Sunshine Stars at the Akure Township Stadium.

By Uche Dozie

Reigning champions, Enyimba FC suffered a second defeat this season against Remo Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 25 encounter on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Sky Blue Stars who returned to winning ways after their 4-1 loss to Sporting Lagos on Sunday defeated the People's Elephant 1-0 courtesy of an Adams Olamilekan's strike at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne Ogun State.

Enyimba seemed to have kept the hosts at bay in the first half, but it didn't last too long before Remo broke the deadlock courtesy of the man who had threaten the Aba giants from the beginning of the second half who slammed in a Haruna Hadi flick on 71 minute.

In Lafia, Lobi Stars returned to the zenith of the league after edging Rivers United 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at the Lafia City Stadium.

Samuel Tiza opened scores for the host before Ukeme Williams restored parity for Rivers on 24 minutes.

Alao Danbani gave Lobi the lead on 43rd minutes from the penalty spot as referee Fawole awarded a penalty to Lobi Stars after Alao Danbani was brought down in the 18 yard box by Ekeretti Udom.

Kumaga Suur made it 3-1 thirteen minutes after the start of the second half before Mark Gibson scored for Rivers United 9 minutes to regulation, but it was not enough to stop the 3 points for the hosts.

Rangers International continued their unbeaten run as they drew 1-1 against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Sani Mubarak's 30 minutes goal was cancelled by Chinemerem Ugwueze on 52nd minutes.

Monday Gideon scored before halftime as Shooting Stars Sports Club earned their first away win this season, beating Doma United 1-0 at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

By Uche Dozie 

The Super Eagles B striker scored the only goal for Al Ain Saudi Football Club as they edged league bottom place team, Al Taraji at the King Saud Sport City Stadium, al-B??ah to earn a consecutive win in the league.

A wasteful Al Ain side could not make use of the home advantage in the first half leaving the score at 0-0 after 45 minutes.

However, the former Lobi Stars man broke the deadlock 2 minutes after the hour mark with a poacher's finish to give the hosts the lead.

He poked home a well struck cross from Nasser Al-Daajani from the left side of the pitch to the delight of the home fans.

Al Ain held on to win after their last home win against Al Kholood to stay 14th position in the league standings with 27 points after 25 matches as they remain on course to stay afloat in the league.

Okpotu, 30 who joined the club last year now has 9 goals (5 in 2024) in 19 league matches this season.

By Uche Dozie

After match day 20 fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Remo Stars have returned to the zenith of the league standings after securing an away point in Aba while Katsina United left it late to get maximum points against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Remo Stars held Abia Warriors to a goalless draw in Aba after an end to end affair which saw the hosts edge it in attempts at goal.

The second half saw the Warriors dominate pushing for the goal, but the Sky Blue Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole and the defense stood their ground to get the point even with a man down in the a couple of minutes to the end of the game.

The game between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes was heading for a stalemate until Idoko sealed the win for the hosts at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

United dominate first half, pushing for a goal, but goalkeeper Enaholo and his defense were strong to avert danger.

Tornadoes came out stronger in the second half dominating play, but could not make it count until the last 15 minutes of the game where United raised their game to pile pressure for the goal which came in the 90th minute.

A cross from the right corner of the pitch was hit with a half volley by Idoko to give the Changi Boys the 3 points.

Sporting Lagos recorded a slim win over Bendel Insurance courtesy of a second half goal from Tochukwu Micheal.

Kenneth Igboke scored at the start of the second half to give Rangers International FC all points against Akwa United.

Goals in the first half by Muhammad Umar and a second half goal by Albert Hilary saw Plateau United win despite Suur Kumaga pulled one back for Lobi Stars.

Match Day 20 Full Time Results

Sporting Lagos 1-0 Bendel Insurance

Rangers 1-0 Akwa Utd

Bayelsa Utd 2-0 Gombe Utd

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kwara Utd

Plateau Utd 2-1 Lobi

Rivers Utd 3-2 Doma Utd

Abia Warriors 0-0 Remo Stars

Katsina Utd 1-0 Tornadoes

Uche Dozie 

The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League enter the mid-way point with some classical fixtures across different centers this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Shooting Stars vs Enyimba FC

In what will be the biggest clash of the weekend, Shooting Stars will welcome Enyimba FC to the Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan for a renewal of their historical fixtures.

The last time this fixture came up at the same venue, it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Head-to-head

In the last eight clashes between both sides, 2 games ended scoreless draw with both teams winning " games a-piece.

Form

Shooting Stars - DLLWD

Enyimba FC - DWWLL

Doma United vs Rivers United

In the battle of United, Doma who are yet to concede a goal playing in front of their fans his season will hope they can continue their impressive home record when host Nigeria's only remaining team in the continent, Rivers United.

Head-to-head

Doma United and Rivers United FC played so far 2 matches. Doma won one and Rivers won the other. The last time this fixture came up in Gombe, Doma won 2-1.

Form

Doma United - LWLWL

Rivers United - LDDLW

Kwara United vs Sunshine Stars

Two familiar foes not in a too friendly position on the NPFL log will today clash at the Ilorin township in a must win game as they seek to turn their season around. 15th on the log, " points behind Sunshine Stars who will be their Saturday's visitor, Kwara united will hope they can secure a good win that can help redefined their not too good season.

Head-to-head

Teams Kwara United Sunshine Stars played so far 21 matches. Kwara United won 7 direct matches. Sunshine Stars won 9 matches. 5 matches ended in a draw. 19th June 2022 was the last time this fixture took place and it ended 2-1 in favour of the host, Kwara United.

Form

Kwara United - LDWLL

Sunshine Stars - DDWLD

Lobi Stars vs Plateau United

It 's a case of 1st place against 3rd when Lobi Stars host Plateau United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday. These two North Central teams who are familiar with themselves have all to play for as the result will determine their position in the leadership of the NPFL going into the second round of fixtures.

Head-to-head

Teams Lobi Stars Plateau United played so far 13 matches. Lobi Stars won 3 direct matches. Plateau United won 6 matches. 4 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.85 goals per Match.

Form

Lobi Stars - WLWWD

Plateau United - LWLWW

Bendel Insurance vs Sporting Lagos

After their initial fine start to the league season, Lagos tech boys are now languishing in the relegation zone and to get back their confidence and chances of leaving the drop zone anytime soon, they need a miracle in Benin, the fortress home of Bendel Insurance.

Head-to-head

This will be the first meeting ever between both sides.

Form

Bendel Insurance - LWDWL

Sporting Lagos - LDLLD

Remo Stars vs Abia Warriors

Title Contenders Remo Stars will once again try to reclaim the top spot from Lobi Stars as they welcome Abia Warriors to Ikenne. Daniel Ogunmodede men are one of the favourites to win the league and they currently second on the log, a point behind Lobi Stars. Abia Warriors who are 9th on the log will hope to cause an upset when they play the Sky Blues on Sunday.

Head-to-head

Remo Stars and Abia Warriors played so far 4 matches. Remo Stars won 2 direct matches. Abia Warriors won 1 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.00 goals per Match.

Form

Remo Stars - LWLWL

Abia Warriors - WLWLW

Gombe United vs Bayelsa United

Strugglers Gombe and Bayelsa United will continue their fight against the drop when they clash at the Pantami Stadium on Sunday. Gomb United, 19th on the log will push for a chance to leave the rest zone which only a victory can give them against 18th placed Bayelsa United who currently have the same points with them (17).

Head-to-head

Gombe United and Bayelsa United played so far 10 matches. Gombe United won 5 direct matches. Bayelsa United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.30 goals per Match

Form

Gombe United - DWLDL

Bayelsa United - LDLLW

Niger Tornadoes vs Kastina United

With 3 wins in their last 5 games, Kastina United will target a win against their Northern brothers Niger Tornadoes who on their own have recorded two wins in their last 5 games. With just 3 points away from the drop zone, Niger Tornadoes will target this North derby to move far away from the relegation zone.

Head-to-head

Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United of recent have met 7 times. Niger Tornadoes won 2 direct matches. Katsina United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.14 goals per Match.

Form

Niger Tornadoes - DWLWD

Kastina United - LWLWW

Akwa United vs Enugu Rangers

Since they won the league in 2021, Akwa United have been struggling and the closest they come to pushing for the top league prize was last season when they narrowly missed out of the Super Six on goal difference. The team return to its struggling stage after relieving coach Deji Ayeni of his duties at the end of that season and when they thought things will get better, they are deep in the relegation waters. They play host to Fidelis Ilechukwu's Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

Head-to-head

Akwa United and Enugu Rangers played so far 25 matches. Akwa United won 5 direct matches. Enugu Rangers won 11 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.08 goals per Match.

Form

Akwa United - LDLWL

Enugu Rangers - WDWLW

Kano Pillars vs Heartland

Another traditional topflight derby will come up this weekend as Kano Pillars and Heartland meet for the first time in the NPFL since 2022 when they both relegated to the lower division. With Kano Pillars 6th on the log, Heartland are rocking it at the bottom of the log.

Head-to-head

Recent record shows that Kano Pillars Heartland Owerri played 29 matches against each other.

Kano Pillars won 11 direct matches. Heartland Owerri won 11 matches. 7 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.10 goals per Match.

Form

Kano Pillars - WLWWD

Heartland FC - LWLWL

It promises to be an interesting weekend across the country with league actions set to ignite the already burning fire in the Sports industry started by the Super Eagles who defeated AFCON host, Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 in front of their fans on Wednesday.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

The rescheduled matchday 18 games of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season produces some interesting results as the league leaders dropped points, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

With Doma United losing 3-0 away over the weelend, one would think Remo and Lobi will capitlise on the results to open up some points margin betweeen themselves and Doma United who have been racking up points from the big boys both home and away this season. However, they failed to pick the maximum points needed for such with one of the team losing on the road.

Lobi Stars who have been in some incredible form this season failed to pick the 3 points as they were forced to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars at the Lafia Township Stadium. The draw leaves them among the league leaders, level on points on top of the table with Remo Stars who have a better goal diffrence.

Remo Stars meanwhile lost away to Kastina United 2-0 as they bid for the first Premier League suffered a little setback. The Daniel Ogunmodede side fell behind to their host in the 22nd minutes, before conceding another one at the dieing minute of the game.

Elsewhere, Bayelsa United grab their first win in 6 games as they defeat Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Yenagoa. Goals from Garando Tekana (18') and Eyong Ofem (90+1) was all the Restoration Boys needed to get their first win since December 10, 2023.

The Southwest derby at the Mobolaj Johnson Arena Lagos between Sporting Lagos and Shooting Stars ended in a 2-all.

Today, Thursday 16th January, 2024, Rivers United will host Akwa United in Port Harcourt to wrap up the matchday 18 fixtures as Enyimba visit Kastina United on Wedenesday for a reschedule matchday 12 encounter.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria Premier Football League side, Lobi Stars can heave a sigh of relief to their challenges of transportation after the governor of Benue State donated four new vehicles to the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

His excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia gave 32 seater Toyota Coaster bus, two 18 Seater Toyota buses, and one Toyota Hilux in a ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi on Wednesday.

The first man of the state acknowledged the good performance of the team and appreciated them for bringing smiles to the people of the state.

"We thank you so heartily for putting smiles on the Benue People. Football is very infectious whether you are a player, a fan or not, once you hear that Lobi Stars are out there, you are just looking forward to hearing a good news and am proud to associates with all of you, I thank you for making me and this administration proud". Governor Alia maintained.

Meanwhile, there were gifts of two cows and a cash donation to Lobi Stars goalkeeper, Lucky Abdullahi who will be getting married soon as part of his government contribution to identify with him by the Governor.

The governor also approved and directed payment of outstanding 12 match bonuses to players to be paid without delay.

Credit: Lobi Stars Media

The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lobi Stars Football Club, Dominic Iorfa has on behalf of Management, Staff and Players congratulated the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Dr Hyacinth Alia and His Deputy who is the Chairman of the club, Dr. Sam Ode over their victory at the Apex yesterday, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

Mr Iorfa in his message of felicitation as released by Lobi Stars media described the victory as democracy in action, noting that, the verdict by the highest court in the land would put to rest all forms of litigations that were more of a distraction.

"Today the Supreme Court spoke and upheld the victory of my two principals and I describe it as sound which reawakened my trust in the highest court in the land for focusing on the rule of law", he maintained.

He assures Gov. Alia of total loyalty to his administration which has started on a bright note, especially in areas of welfare, construction of capital projects, rule of law and constant attention to Lobi Stars which has put the club in a decent position of the NPFL table.

While calling on those who lose at the Supreme Court to join the Governor for the overall development of the state, Iorfa stated that the time for politics is over, it is now time for governance.

Mr. Iorfa prays for wisdom and good health upon the Governor and wishes him well to succeed in his mandate.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Aniekeme Okon's two late goals gave the Sky Blues Stars all points against Sunshine Stars in the Southwest derby.

After holding the host for 90 minutes, the visitors eventually caved in following a scramble in the box as the ball came to Okon who tucked it in.

He doubled the lead a couple of minutes later, beating a defender to put the ball beyond the goalkeeper ending the encounter 2-0.

Lobi Stars of Makurdi who shared same points as Remo Stars on the log continued the hot chase with a 2-0 win away from home against Kwara United.

The Afonja Warriors fell to 2 first half goals in the 21st minute courtesy of an own goal by Godwin Oshagbemi and Chukwudi Oganbor's  42nd minute goal.

A chance to reduce the deficit came in the 54th, but Paul Samson missed from the spot as the score ended 2-0 in favour of Lobi Stars who are joint top with Remo Stars on 32 points after 17 matches.

Full time result of match day 17 fixtures

Enyimba 2-0 Sporting Lagos

3SC 1-0 Bayelsa Utd

Akwa Utd 3-1 Abia Warriors

Remo Stars 2-0 Sunshine Stars

Tornadoes 3-2 Heartland

Kwara Utd 0-2 Lobi

Kano Pillars 2-1 Plateau Utd

Gombe Utd 1-1 Rivers Utd

Uche Dozie

Remo Stars Sporting Club will stay top of the Nigeria Premier Football League log following their win in the last game of the year over challengers, Lobi Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Late goals from Sikiru Alimi and Olamilekan Adams sealed a 2-0 win over the Markudi based side for the Sky Blue Stars at the Remo Stars Stadium on Thursday.

With the two sides seeking to end the year at the zenith of the league standings, it was going to be an enthralling encounter.

The Ikenne based side started with the momentum with early attempt at goal through Olamilekan Adedayo and Alimi close to the end of the first phase.

Lobi Stars also tested Bankole earlier in the game and could have been a goal up at the end of the game, but twice Bankole was called into action and twice he saved the day.

The second half saw more of the hosta as Dayo Ojo and Samad Kadiri in thick of things pushing for the opener.

The entry Olamilekan Adams breathed life into the Remo Stars team as goalkeeper Lucky saved the attacking midfielder's attempt in the 72nd minute.

It was just a matter of time before the deadlock will be broken after several push for a goal by the home team especially at a point when the visitors thought they were leaving the stadium with a point.

Alimi, a minute into additional time scored his 10th goal of the season with a glancing header from the assist of Olamilekan Adams.

3 minutes later, the provider turned the goal scorer as Adams Olamilekan pounced on a loose ball in the area and slam home a second.

With the win, put Remo Stars top after 15 matches on 29 points, a point better than Doma United who are second and 3 points ahead of Lobi Stars who are third.

Uche Dozie