NPFL Match Day 19: Half way done, battle for title hots up

Action in the Nigeria Professional Football League entered the 19th
week, its half-way point, with Akwa United shooting down Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

The Ibadan-based side who are having a torrid season, especially on
the road, came under fire as early as the eight minute, when Friday
Ubong gave his side the lead.

Just as everyone waited for the Stars to get it right after a few
minutes of good play, Cyril Olisema slipped in the second, no thanks to a
lapse in concentration by the visitors’ defence.

Warri Wolves wolfed down El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 in Oghara, with
Kelvin Itoya grabbing a brace in the 77th and 83rd minutes and Sikiru
Alimi getting the third in the 89th minute.

Rangers were held by Heartland in Enugu on Friday, leaving the top of
the log open to any winner, between Abia Warriors and Rivers United;
but both sides suffered defeats to Sunshine Stars 1-2) and Lobi Stars
(0-1), respectively, at the Umuahia Township Stadium and at the Aper Aku
Stadium in Makurdi.

Razak Adegbite put the visitors ahead at the stroke of half-time,
before Obinna Eric Nwaimo drew the home-side level in the 78th minute;
and, just when the home-side thought they were home and dry, super-sub
Dele Olorundare stunned the home fans into silence at the stroke of 90
minutes.

Sunday Akleche’s 67th minute strike was the lone goal, as Lobi Stars ran out 1-0 winners over Rivers United.

Tamen Medrano’s 67th minute strike and Nico Dao’s 90th minute effort
lit up Nnewi, as FC IfeanyiUbah floored Niger Tornadoes 2-0.

In the other games, Kano Pillars made it four games without a win,
with a goalless draw against hosts Plateau United, while Wikki Tourists
beat Ikorodu United 3-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.