NPFL Match day 5 review
Ten matches in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) were scheduled for Sunday 27th while two were set to take place on Monday 28th January. All matches were played as arranged. With many postponements in the first four rounds, only one team from Group A and six from Group B have played all five of their planned matches.
Group A
With two draws in previous two matches, Rivers United welcomed MFM at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. A goal by Bernard Ovoke in the 41st minute was enough to give the hosts their first win of the season.
Wikki Tourists took on the Sunshine Stars in Gombe at the Pantami Stadium. It was the visitors who took all three points with a narrow 1:0 victory. Chibunda Amah was the scorer in the 81st minute after the goalkeeper saved the initial penalty.
The only team in Group A which played all their scheduled matches so far, Kwara United visited the Lobi Stars. Michael Stephens scored in the 10th minute for the home side at the Aper Aku Stadium. Yaya Kone added two more before the break to secure the defending champions their first win this year.
In a midweek game, Enugu Rangers lost their first game of the season to MFM. But on Saturday they bounced back and got their first victory of the season, by beating Enyimba 1:0. Ajani Ibrahim was the scorer in the 40th minute at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Enugu Rangers (Twitter/RangersIntFC)
With two draws in the first two matches, Remo Stars were looking for their maiden win against Katsina United. The home side scored two goals to secure the triumph. Victor Mbaoma scored in the 3rd minute and Kingsley Akemini added the second in the 78th minute.
Bendel went to Minna to take on the Niger Tornadoes, but the game ended with no goals. Both teams are yet to win this season.
Group B
Plateau United played out a goalless draw with the Kano Pillars. This score leaves them both in the middle of the table with five matches played.
Kada City welcomed the surprisingly good this season FC Ifeanyi Ubah, but they couldn’t stop them from getting their third win of the season. The scorer of the only goal of the game was Chibuike Eze in the 62nd minute.
Abia Warriors were hosts at the Umuahia Township Stadium looking for their second win this year. But the visitors Gombe United held them to a goalless draw. They are level on points, but Gombe has a game in hand.
Yobe Stars played only their second match this season, against Group B leaders Heartland FC. James Odeh scored a goal in the 65th minute. This was enough to give the home side their first victory of the year.
On Sunday, Nasarawa United played at home against Akwa United. The fans at the Lafia Township Stadium saw two goals, both scored by the home team. Mohammed Shammasu scored in the 55th minute while Daddy Morris added the second just before the final whistle.
El-Kanemi Warriors travelled to Omoku to take on Go Round FC. They went home empty-handed after a single goal was enough to give the hosts a win. Sodiq Ololade scored the match winner.