Wikki Tourists on Wednesday, June 8, maintained their leadership position on the NPFL standings after beating northern rivals, El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 in Bauchi. The visitors were resilient throughout the first half, but Abubakar Lawal scored in the 56th minute to give the hosts the deserved three points. After suspending their gaffer Abdullahi Biffo indefinitely, Tornadoes defeated visiting Plateau United 1-0 in Lokoja. The goal came in the 33rd minute when Kunle Issa was brought down by Kabiru Umaru and Daniel Jackson stepped forward to score the penalty for the hosts. Kano Pillars would have themselves to blame for losing this match as the 56th minute own goal by Adamu Muritala condemned the former NPFL champions to a 1-nil defeat in Enugu. Two superb goals from Olatunbosun Sikiru in the 19th and 28th minute handed the church boys the maximum three points as Mountain of Fire defeated visiting Nasarawa United 2-nil in Lagos. Lobi Stars made life difficult for Shooting Stars in Makurdi as goals from Banabas Imenger, Tony Okpotu and David Tyavkase condemned 3SC to a 3-1defeat. Yinka Adedeji netted the only consolation for Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the 45th minute. For the very first time this season, Ikorodu United picked an away point after being forced by hosts Abia Warriors to a 1-1 draw in Umuahia. Oluwole Balogun silenced the home fans when he opened scoring for the visitors in the 45th minute, but Michael Olaha restored parity Abia Warriors in the 75th minute. Dele Olorundare was the hero for Sunshine Stars in the game against Akwa United as his late minute goal gave the visitors an incredible away point in Uyo. Sunshine Stars went ahead in the 17th minute through Okiki Afolabi who got a back pass from Godspower Igudia. Anieken Ekpe equalised for the hosts in the 22nd minute before Omoniwari’s goal in the 38th minute and Friday Ubang’s goal in the 61st minute gave United the lead. Okiki Afolabi then scored again for the visitors in the 70th minute before the Dele Olorundare levelled up at the death. Heartland were on the verge of winning before Wolves came out with a lot of zeal in the second half and they both shared the points. Emeka Ogbugh netted the first goal via a wonderful free kick in the 9th minute for the visitors, and Ajoku Chidiebere extended Heartland’s lead in the 53rd minute, but the Naze Millionaires slept off as Goodluck Onamado and Shedrack Oghu levelled up for the hosts. Reigning champions Enyimba will face Rivers United in their own NPFL Week 21 game on Thursday, June 9.
NPFL Week 21 Results:
MFM 2-0 Nasarawa Utd Lobi 3-1 Shooting Stars Akwa Utd 3-3 Sunshine Stars Abia Warriors 1-1 Ikorodu Utd Wikki 1-0 El-Kanemi Wolves 2-2 Heartland Rangers 1-0 Pillars Tornadoes 1-0 Plateau Utd