By George Akpayen
The top-two sides in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) before the start of Matchweek 14, Remo Stars and Doma United were beaten by Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars respectively in their road trips on Sunday.
Table-toppers Remo Stars succumbed 1-2 at Kano Pillars following an eventful second half display at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. After a goalless first-half the home side got themselves in front through Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga on 50 minutes.
On 72 minutes, Dayo Ojo was in the right place at the right time to expertly finish from Olamilekan Adams’ cross from close range for Remo Stars to level the score. The goal for the away side last just seven minutes as Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali stole in behind the defence of the Sky Blue Stars to score a controlled volley past Kayode Bankole who was impressive all through the match.
Remo Stars remain top of the standings with superior goal difference. However, Doma United lost their second place to Lobi Stars who ran out 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium.
Stanley Oganbor put Lobi in the lead as early as the fourth minute and held on till the 79th minute before securing the game off Suleiman Mojereoma’s goal. A very late goal by Samuel Enefiok in added time of 90 minutes proved insufficient for Doma United to take anything off Lobi.
Plateau United climbed into the top-four on the back of their convincing 5-1 success over Bayelsa United. Albert Hilary netted a hattrick on 22, 24 and 61 minutes of the contest while Silas Nenrot and Chimezie Izuchukwu scored the other goals on 67 and 89 minutes. Ekeson Okorie was the goalscorer for Ekeson Okorie.
Gombe United and Niger Tornadoes earned their first points on the road following draws at Sunshine Stars and Kwara United respectively. Tornadoes played out a 0-0 draw at Kwara United while Ahmed Jimoh scored on 77 minutes for Gombe United to secure a 1-1 draw at Sunshine Stars after Anietie Uko had put the Akure side ahead on 32 minutes.
Southeast clubs, Rangers, Abia Warriors and Heartland, sealed home wins over Sporting Lagos, 3SC and Akwa United respectively. Austin Onyemaechi and Kenechukwu Agu scored for Rangers to defeat Sporting Lagos while Heartland needed Chidiebere Ajoku’s goal edge past Akwa United 1-0 in a tight contest.
Warriors had to dig deep to fight off a dogged 3SC side 3-2. Anayor Ogbonna put 3SC ahead on 38 minutes before goals from Kelechi Nnochiri, Ifeanyi Anaemena and Samson Obi on 45, 58 and 81 minutes turned things around. In between those events, Abia Warriors goalkeeper Sharp Uzoigwe kept out Gbolagade Adelowo’s spot. Demola Kareem’s late goal for 3SC only left the scoreline respectable.
Chidera Eze scored the winning and only goal for Katsina United as they defeated Bendel Insurance 1-0 in Saturday’s only game.