NPFL MD 10 Wrap: Lobi Star pip 3SC, Enyimba stun Heartland in Owerri

By Wale Mustapha

Lobi Stars returned to the summit of Nigeria Premier Football League, after claiming a hard earned 2-1 win over Shooting Stars in one of the Matchday fixtures this weekend.

The ‘Yes Father Boys’ had to rely on a late penalty converted by Orji Kalu to beat the Oluyole Warriors after both teams had matched each other for most of part of the game.

Gideon Monday’s superb finish for Shooting Stars canceled out an early goal from Waheed Adebayo for the hosts.

Lobi have now accrued 20 points from 10 games and moved to top of the table.

Earlier on Saturday, Doma United ended Remo Stars’ prefect home run in this campaign forcing  the Sky Blue Stars to a goaless draw in Ikenne. Goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom stole the show with his heroic saves for the Savannah Tigers who are now second on the log.

Also on Saturday, defending champions, Enyimba continued their resurgence to the season as they snatched a vital 1-0 away win at Heartland. Substitute Stephen Chukwude headed home a late goal to compound the woes of Naze Millionaires.

Kwara United consolidated on their last weekend’s draw at Insurance to beat Gombe United 2-0 in Ilorin. A goal in each half from Mohammed Alao and Garba Abubakar earned the Harmony Boys the deserved victory that has seen them moved to ninth on the log.

Abia Warriors reaffirmed their supremacy over Enugu Rangers in the Sunday’s Oriental derby decided in Umuahia. The encounter was separated by a lone goal scored by Collins Nwoburuoke in the second minute of the match.

In Akure, Sunshine Stars pipped Sporting Lagos by a lone goal thanks to Moses Omoduemeke’s first half strike that has piled more pressure on the newcomers.

In the other Matchday 10 fixtures, Kano Pillars were held to a goaless draw at home by Insurance FC, Katsina United shared spoils with Bayelsa United in a 1-1 draw game played at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.

In Kaduna, Niger Tornandes returned to winning ways following their 1-0 win over Akwa United. Bashir Usman scored a goal of the season contender with a 20 yard volley that left Akwa keeper helpless.