NPFL MD17 Wrap: Remo Stars nick away win as Enyimba and Wikki Tourists win big

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars brightened its chances of qualifying for season ending Super Six with a 2-1 win over Plateau United in Matchday 17 of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in Jos.

The Sky Blue Stars had to come from behind to earn a precious point which will help the team ahead of the final game of the regular season at home against Kwara United.

Saidu Salisu gave Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side the lead in the 70th minute but Adams Olamilekan equalised eleven minutes later.

Olalekan Adedayo scored the winning goal for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side in the 88th minute.

In Aba, Enyimba thrashed Gombe United 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Emeka Obioma.

Ikenna Cooper and Sadiq Abubakar also find the back of the net for the People’s Elephants.

Elsewhere, Wikki Tourist also recorded a big win with a 4-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Bauchi.

Ahmed Abubakar, Abubakar Aliyu Ibrahim, Onukwube Emeka, and Abia’s own goal sealed a comfortable win for the hosts.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United in Port Harcourt returned to winning ways after ceasing out of the CAF Confederation Cup and Federation Cup in the same week with a 2-1 win over neighbours, Bayelsa United.

Mohammed Shiraz opened the scoring for the Port Harcourt-based side in the 43rd minute before Garando Tekena’s 56th-minute equalizer for the visitors.

Nyima Nwagwa, however converted the winning goal for Stanley Eguma’s side 15 minutes from time.

While in Uyo, a brace from Friday Ubong lifted Akwa United to a 2-0 win against El-kanemi Warriors.

Sikiru Alimi’s 85th-minute goal salvaged a point for Shooting Stars as Gbenga Ogunbote’s side forced Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw in Benin City.

Yahya Ibrahim’s 82nd-minute strike propelled Kwara United to a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United.

In Akure, Sunshine Stars recorded a 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes thanks to goals from David Onovo and Yusuf Ibrahim while Doma United and Rangers International settled for a goalless draw in Gombe.

Bendel Insurance still top Group A with 33 points but Enyimba has cut the lead to two points.

Remo Stars occupy the third position with 30 points ahead of Akwa United (29 points), Plateau United (25 points), Shooting Stars (22 points), Gombe United (19 points), Kwara United (17 points), and already relegated Nasarawa United (13 points), and El-kanemi Warriors (9 points).

Lobi Stars top Group B with 30 points ahead of Rivers United (26 points) but the latter have three outstanding games due to continental engagements.

Doma United and Sunshine Stars both with an outstanding game have 26 and 24 points respectively ahead of Abia Warriors (24 points), Niger Tornadoes (23 points), Bayelsa United (21 points), Rangers International (20 points), Wikki Tourist (15 points), and Dakkada FC (13 points).