NPFL: Jigawa Stars Mauled In Jos; Enyimba Denied At The Death

The Dutse-based side suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season thus far in the Plateau state capital on Wednesday evening

Plateau United dished out a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing to Jigawa Golden Stars at the New Jos Stadium in one of the game week 12 round of matches of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

An early Oche Ochewechi opener and a fine Ibrahim Mustapha brace during a remarkable first-half onslaught inspired Abdu Maikaba’s men to only their fourth league win this term.

Hunted by three consecutive away defeats at Warri Wolves, Enyimba, and Akwa United, Plateau United were happy to return to familiar surroundings.

And the Jos lords quickly made the advantage count as Ochewechi broke the deadlock through a brilliant individual play in the sixth minute.

Oche was causing the visitors all manner of troubles and in the 21st minute, the attacker laid it on a plate for Mustapha to double the home side’s lead.

And moments before the halftime break, Mustapha bagged his brace when he rose highest to head in from Moses Effiong’s corner and make it three-nil for United.

The win momentarily lifts struggling Plateau United out of the relegation zone, with the side now boasting 14 points from 11 matches.

Enyimba Denied At The Death

In Aba, a late Philip David strike denied Enyimba International FC all the three points at stake as Fatai Osho’s men had to settle for a share of the spoils with Akwa United.

Fresh from a cracking double-headed CAF Confederations Cup clash against Rivers United, Enyimba were in a buoyant mood after making it to the competition’s group stages.

And knowing a win could take them past Kwara United to the top of the league table, the Aba Elephants were pumped up from kick-off and deservedly took the lead through Austin Oladapo ten minutes into the second period.

But the visitors had the last laugh after David drew them level with the last kick of the game, jabbing home Charles Atshimene’s knockdown from a freekick.