The first half of the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has come to an end, with the Nigerian top flight entering matchday 19.
Kwara United still top the standings with 36 points, after a 2-0 win against Nasarawa United. Second-half goals from Samuel Ganda and Michael Ohanu on 58 and 81 minutes respectively handed the Ilorin-based club the maximum points, while Bala Nikyu’s Nasarawa United dropped to sixth on the log with 30 points.
Kano Pillars maintained the pressure on Kwara United as they became joint leaders of the league with Kwara United, after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Warri Wolves. Pillars stole the three points thanks to a penalty from veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, three minutes after the hour mark. Warri Wolves have dropped into the relegation zone following the loss, sitting at 17th on the log with 19 points.
Dakkada FC edged Rivers United in a cracking six-goal thriller at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Dakkada opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Charles in the 23rd minute but Rivers United clawed their way back into the game.
Nelson Esor netted twice in the space of five minutes – minutes 39 and 44 – but Dakkada equalised just before the break thanks to a goal from Musa Bashiru.
Bashiru was at it again as he put Dakkada in front once more, netting in the 63rd minute. Christian Ekong then secured the win for Dakkada in the 76th minutes as he netted for the Uyo-based side. The win helps Dakkada to move into eighth and level on points with Rivers United, although the ‘Pride of Rivers’ still have a superior goals difference which helps them stay 7th.
Lobi Stars preserved their unbeaten home record after a comeback 2-1 win over Jigawa Golden Stars. Jigawa Golden Stars surprisingly took the lead first, through a 20th-minute goal from Ibrahim Umar. However, Chinonso Okonkwo then turned the game on its head. Okonkwo netted a brace in six minutes as he equalised for Lobi Stars on 51 minutes and then gave the Makurdi club the advantage in the 57th minute.
Wikki Tourists currently occupy 12th place on the NPFL table as they took their points tally to 24 following a 3-1 win over Katsina United. Manu Garba opened the scoring in favour of Wikki in the fourth minute but Joseph Atule levelled matters on 22 minutes.
Manu Garba gave Wikki Tourists the lead for the second time in the game with a goal on 29 minutes and Stephen Chukwude ensured Wikki grabbed maximum points in the 72nd minute.
Katsina United are firmly in the relegation zone after their loss, sitting at 18th on the log with 18 points.
MFM and FC Ifeanyi Ubah settled for a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. Lukman Aliu of FC Ifeanyi Ubah canceled out Justice Zechariah’s first-half opener as the ‘Anambra Warriors’ snatched a point at the Soccer Temple.
Results. Saturday, April 3
Sunshine Stars 0 – 0 Akwa United
Sunday, April 4
MFM 1 – 1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Lobi Stars 2 – 1 Jigawa Golden Stars
Dakkada FC 4 – 2 Rivers United
Kwara United 2 – 0 Nasarawa United
Wikki Tourists 3 – 1 Katsina United
Kano Pillars 1 – 0 Warri Wolves
Story by Sammy Wejinya
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