NPFL MD3 Wrap: Akwa United end winless start, Lobi Stars ruin Abia Warriors’ run

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Akwa United finally got their Nigeria Premier Football League campaign back on track with a shock 3-0 win at Nasarawa United as the 2022/2023 NPFL season reached the matchday three on Sunday.

After two matches without a win, the visitors from Uyo stormed to a flying start as James Ajako opened the scoring for the Uyo-based side in the 43rd minute at the Jos Stadium.

Ndifreke Effiong doubled the lead for the Promise Keepers two minutes into the second half off Cyril Olisemah’s assist. 16 minutes from full time, Effiong scored his second goal of the match to wrap the win for Akwa United.

In Umuahia, Lobi Stars picked a precious away win over Abia Warriors which ended the hosts’ perfect start to the season.

After a goalless first, Kumaga Suur’s 56th-minute goal from Joseph Atule’s assist was all Lobi Stars needed to seal a second consecutive win of the campaign following a 1-0 win against Enugu Rangers in its last week.

Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars forced Enugu Rangers to a 1-1 draw at the Akwa Township Stadium in Anambra.

Ikemdinachi Imo’s own goal was canceled by Yusuf Ibrahim’s 36th-minute equalizer with all goals coming in the first half.

In Yenegoa, Bayelsa United earned its first win of the campaign with a 2-1 win against Wikki Tourists.

Robert Mizo and Israel Consul had given the host a 2-0 lead before John Prince reduced the deficit for the visitors in the 89th minute.

Emmanuel Ogwuche’s 59th-minute goal was enough to hand newly promoted Doma United a 1-0 win over Dakkada FC.

In Ibadan, Bendel Insurance made it three wins out of three games after Imade Osehenkhoe’s 25th-minute goal maintained the visitors’ perfect start to the campaign with a 1-0 win over Kwara United.

Elsewhere, Plateau United had to come from a goal down to earn a 2-1 win against former African Champions, Enyimba.

Chibuike Nwaiwu had given the People’s Elephants the lead before goals from Onyebuchi Ifeanyi and a last-gasp strike from Kazeem Ogunleye in the 94th minute completed the comeback.

The tense game also saw Enyimba FC goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo receiving a red card in the 102nd minute.

In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors and Gombe United settled for a goalless draw in the northern derby.