Nigeria Leagues
NPFL MD29 Wrap: Rangers retain summit despite unbeaten ending loss in Katsina
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
League leaders, Enugu Rangers suffered a 4-3 loss to Katsina United in the matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
Falolu Azeez scored the first goal of the high scoring game in the fifth minute from Chidera Ezeh’s assist for the Katsina United before Isaac Saviour’s equaliser five minute later.
Michael Okoro Ibe restored Katsina United’s lead in the 17th minute but the Flying Antelopes responded a minute later with another equaliser by Godwin Obaje
Ibe’s second goal of the match put the host ahead for the third time while Andrew Idoko put the game beyond reasonable double with Katsina United’s fourth goal.
Joel Odoh scored in the 81st minute to make the scoreline respectable in the 81st minute.
Heartland moved a place above the bottom of the log after a 3-1 win against Sporting Lagos at home.
Stephen Chukwude scored two goals while Chukwudi Esobe also find the back of the net for the hosts Junior Lokosa converted the visitors consolation goal.
In Ilorin, Kwara United forced Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw and had to rely on Isaiah Ijeh’s 63rd minute penalty to salvage a point after Meyiwa Oritsewejinmi’s opener for the visitors.
Makurdi based side, Lobi Stars edged holders, Enyimba 1-0 thanks to Alao Dambani’s solitary strike.
Niger Tornadoes were the biggest winners with a 5-0 triumph over Gombe United.
Clinton Jephta scored two goals coupled with a goal each by Ernest Chidiebere, Mohammed Hussaini, and Bashiru Usman.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars also forced Bayelsa United to a 1-1 draw as Tunde Adeniji equalised after Abdul Rahman Muniru’s opener for the Yenegoa based side.
Overall, Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars sits top of the table with 51 points each.
Remo Stars with 49 points occupy the third place with an outstanding match, a point ahead of Enyimba whole Plateau United win 47 points complete the top five places.
Gombe United occupy the bottom of the log with 25 points behind Heartland FC (26 points), Akwa United (31 points) and Rivers United (31) which has six outstanding games due to their continental engagements.
