NPFL Review: Bayelsa United end Ikorodu City’s fairytale run, Remo Stars back on top

A 79th minute goal by Rabiu Abdullahi was all Bayelsa United needed to not only secure their fourth home win of the season but to also stop the fairytale run of debutants, Ikorodu City FC in their matchday 16 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, clash at the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday.

Ikorodu City were looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven games and earn their second away win but the men Ladan Bosso, Bayelsa United wanted all three points as they bid to move away from the relegation zone into the top half of the log.

That they did courtesy Abdullahi’s goal which ensured the visitors have now lost for the first since late October when they lost 2-1 to Enyimba of Aba at the Aba international stadium.

The Oga Boys have now dropped from third to fourth and will be looking to bounce back this weekend when they host Remo Stars in their second southwest derby of the season.

In Enugu, Rangers international secured their seventh win of the season courtesy of their 1-0 defeat of Rivers United at the Cathedral, the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu.

Captain Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze scored the only goal of the game on 15 minutes to move the Flying Antelopes to third on the log with 27 points, two behind their victim, Rivers United and Remo Stars of Ikenne.

It was another 1-0 victory at the Sani Abacha stadium in Kano where homers, Kano Pillars defeated visiting Katsina United courtesy of a 34th minute strike by Abba Adam. The win pushes Kano Pillars to seventh on the log with 22 points from 15 games while Katsina United are just three points above the relegation zone with 19 points.

At the Jos international stadium in Jos, Emmanuel Amuneke recorded the sixth defeat of his managerial career in the NPFL when his side, Heartland lost 3-2 to their host, Plateau United.

The Naze Millionaires thought they were on their way to recording their — away win of the season when Tobi Iyanda scored twice within the opening 12 minutes of the restart after Sunday Anthony had given the host a fifth minute lead.

Anthony led the host’s fightback and restored parity on 69 minutes before Pam Mafeng’s 90th minute goal ensured Amuneke and his men returned to Owerri without a point.

The victory ensured Plateau United moved out of the bottom three to 15th on the log, just two points above the drop zone while Heartland are just two points better and are 13th on the log.

At the Umuahia Township stadium, two goals in the opening 56 minutes gave Abia Warriors a 2-1 win against Niger Tornadoes whose late fightback was a little little late.

Ijoma Desouza gave the host the lead on 21 minutes and an own goal in the 56th minute by Ernest Onyeka made it look like Abia Warriors are running away with victory until the scare when Ahmed Family coverted a penalty in second half added time.

The win moved Abia Warriors level on points (21) with Niger Tornadoes.

At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, two first half goals by Peter Onuoha (31′) and Kwame Mawuena (45+2) were enough to give Remo Stars all three points against El Kanemi Warriors and return the Kunle Soname men to the top of the table on goals difference.

Remo Stars are now tied with Rivers United on 29 points at the top of the log.