Kwara United fail to extend lead at the top of the standings – NPFL matchday 14 review

Kwara United failed the important task of putting some clear daylight between themselves and the rest of the chasing pack on Sunday (March 7) after they were held to a one-all draw against Wikki Tourists in the opening round of matchday 14 in the NPFL.

The Ilorin-based side made the trip to Bauchi sitting in first place on the log but they ended the first half on a losing note as Chinedu Udeagha opened the scoring in the 39th minute. The striker made no mistake from the spot after Promise Damala was tripped inside the 18 yard area.

Kwara United huffed and puffed and were rewarded for their hard work in the closing stages of the game. Jibola Adeleke rescued a point for Kwara United with less than eight minutes to spare after finishing off a superb team move. The shared point leaves the Tourists in 13th place with 17 points amassed from 14 games and helps Kwara United remain top of the log with 26 points.

Kano Pillars and Rangers International also played out a one-all draw in arguably the biggest game of the round. Rangers International took the lead in the ninth minute as Ernest Governor’s fine strike opened the scoring but their lead would last for 33 minutes precisely.

Sai Masu Gida hit back in the 42nd minute through Auwalu Malam Ali to leave the contest hanging in the balance with the second half approaching. However, none of the teams could find the winner as both teams settled for a point.

Nasarawa United moved to fifth on the league table after overcoming Lobi Stars by a lone goal in Lafia. Ikenna Ofor’s early second half strike was enough to condemn Lobi to 10th place with 19 points amassed from 14 games.

Rivers United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win against Jigawa Golden Stars at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Goals in separate halves, from Godwin Aguda (17′) and Cletus Emotan (48′), secured maximum points for the Pride of Rivers.

In the Oriental derby, Heartland FC and Abia Warriors shared the spoils in an entertaining four-goal cracker at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The Warriors shocked Heartland by establishing a two-goal lead in the opening 20 minutes as Godwin Obaje found the back of the net twice on seven and 17 minutes. However, the Naze Millionaires did not back down as they began to a fight for points.

Pascal Eze cut Warriors’ lead in the second minute of added time in the first half and Samuel Nnoshiri scored the equalising goal for Heartland from the penalty spot, four minutes after the hour mark. The result leaves Heartland and Abia Warriors in 11th and 12th position with 18 points and 17 points respectively.

Plateau United are ninth on the league table following a 3-1 win over MFM courtesy of Mohammed Zulkifilu’s brace. The goals began pouring in the second half as Mohammed Zukifilu opened the floodgates of goals in the 56th minute, he doubled the Jos club’s advantage in the 76th minute.

Nojeem Adeyinka found the back of the net in the 81st minute to set up a grandstand finish but Isah Ndala calmed Plateau United’s nerves with a brilliant goal in the 86th minute to secure the points. Gabriel Olalekan’s first loss as interim coach of MFM sees the ‘Olukoya Boys’ languish in 15th place on the log with 17 points after 14 games.

Goals from Idris Abubakar and Surajo Hassan helped Adamawa United to a 2-0 win over Dakkada FC, while Katsina United and Sunshine Stars also played out a goalless draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Results.
Wikki Tourists 1 – 1 Kwara United; Katsina United 0 – 0 Sunshine Stars; Plateau United 3 – 1 MFM; Rivers United 2 – 0 Jigawa Golden Stars; Heartland 2 – 2 Abia Warriors; Adamawa United 2 – 0 Dakkada FC; Nasarawa United 1 – 0 Lobi Stars; Kano Pillars 1 – 1 Rangers International.

Fixtures:Monday, March 8, 2021Warri Wolves vs Akwa United

Story by Sammy Wejinya