The NPFL Wrap for matchday 16 serves a delightful concoction of results, breakthroughs, and a debut goal for a youngster.
Chimaobi Igwillo was the surprise element after coming so close to scoring in several games; the sensational youngster finally found his scoring boot, and it was a beauty to behold.
Last-minute goals are proving to be Rivers United’s kryptonite, and it happened again at the weekend.
Here’s the sportsIntel NPFL Wrap for MD 16.
NPFL Wrap: Rivers United Concedes Last Minute Goal Again
Ubong Friday’s delivery from a counterattack cut the Warriors’ defence napping, and substitute Maclyn Biokpo Jenewari took full advantage in the 86th minute.
Suraj Lawal scored an injury-time goal to secure a 1-1 draw for Abia Warriors against Rivers United in a Matchday 16 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Meanwhile, in Kano, the legendary Rabiu Ali ‘Pele’ delivered once again, scoring twice on Sunday as the Sai Masu Gida sealed a 2-1 victory. His brace takes him to joint top scorer with six goals in the league this season.
Three players join Anas of Nasarawa United with six goals in the top scorers chart.
Another Away Loss for Niger Tornadoes
Niger Tornadoes recorded another away loss courtesy of a 2–0 loss to neighbours Kwara United in their NPFL Matchday 16 clash in Ilorin.
In the 15th minute, Bright Babatunde finished off a well-worked team move with a brilliant curled effort that sent the home crowd into wild celebration.
Kwara United doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when a trademark long throw-in was inadvertently turned into the net by Abba Khalid for an own goal.
Head coach Majin Mohammed attributed the defeat to an overall off-day for his side.
“If there is anything called a bad day in football, I think Tornadoes had one today. Kwara United scored twice, and we suffered two injuries, all in the first half, which destabilised our game plan.” He said.
Mbaoma’s Brace Decides Game of Champions
NPFL Champions Remo Stars relied on the Victor Mbaoma show to claim all points against former champions Enyimba.
The former Enyimba striker opened the scoring to put the Sky Blue Stars ahead.
Edidiong scores as Enyimba turns defense into attack with six touches to equalize for the Elephants.
Victor Mbaoma completed his brace just before half-time as he headed home to restore Remo’s lead.
A visibly disappointed but confident Enyimba Coach Ukaegbu praised his players’ spirit and admitted that defensive lapses made the difference.
“It was a good game but for the careless mistakes at the back. We have seen the errors and we will go home and correct them,” he said.
4 Star Enugu Rangers
Two goals from Chidozie Iwundu in the 10th and 17th minutes, Kenechukwu Agu 33rd minute, and a debut goal by youngster, Chimobi Igwilo in the 38th minute were enough for the Flying Antelopes to grab the maximum points (4-1) against Bayelsa United.
Yusuf Issah scored a spectacular curler from the edge of the box for Bayelsa United’s only goal.
Rangers jump to fourth position on the NPFL league table.
