NPFL: Kun Khalifat stun Enyimba, mayhem in Kano as fans attack referee, Shooting Stars
Kun Khalifat stun Enyimba, mayhem in Kano as fans attack referee, Shooting Stars
Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a whirlwind of drama, upsets, and controversy, with Kun Khalifat ending Enyimba’s unbeaten run and Shooting Stars players assaulted by Kano Pillars fans after a last-gasp equaliser in Kano.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Kun Khalifat pulled off the shock of the weekend, defeating Enyimba 1-0 in the Oriental Derby.
The newcomers, who had struggled for form all season, rose to the occasion with a spirited performance. Nwokorie Ebuka’s 67th minute strike proved decisive, lifting Kun Khalifat off the bottom of the table and handing the People’s Elephant their first loss of the campaign.
The result leaves Enyimba six points adrift of league leaders Nasarawa United.
In Kano, chaos erupted at the Sani Abacha Stadium after Shooting Stars snatched a dramatic 94th minute equaliser through Adams Mustapha to draw 1-1 with Kano Pillars.
The home side had taken an early lead via Mustapha Jibrin, but the late goal sparked fury among the fans. Pillars supporters invaded the pitch, attacking Shooting Stars players and officials, forcing security personnel to fire teargas to restore order.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United continued their dominant run with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers at the Lafia Township Stadium.
The Solid Miners came from behind after Wisdom Ebirim gave the visitors a 19th minute lead. Anas Yusuf equalised in the 32nd minute, and John Joshua sealed the win, sending the home crowd into wild celebration.
The result marks Nasarawa’s fifth consecutive win and extends their lead at the top of the table to four points.
Abia Warriors climbed to second place with a convincing 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors in Umuahia. Casmir Azubuike was the hero, scoring twice within four minutes to secure the Imama Amapakabo-led side’s third straight victory.
Elsewhere, Plateau United moved up to 14th with a 2-0 win over Barau FC at the Jos International Stadium. After a goalless first half, Amietimi Enewaripemi and Vincent Temitope found the net in quick succession to condemn Barau to the bottom of the table.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City ended a three-game winless streak with a narrow 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance, who now sit 19th on the log. Temitope Folarin scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Other results saw Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes play out a 1-1 draw, Wikki Tourists and Kwara United share the spoils in Bauchi, and Katsina United defeat reigning champions Remo Stars 3-1 in Katsina.
