By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on April 25, 2016

The match day 13 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) saw Kano Pillars take visiting Shooting Stars of Ibadan to the cleaners at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. They won 6-0 with Ifeanyi Matthew opening the floodgate of goals past goalkeeper Afeso Attah of 3SC, who made his first start, after 11 minutes of the match. Emmanuel Edmund scored a hat trick to make it 4-0, before Adamu Mohammed and Nafiu Ibrahim both scored to round off the harvest of goals. This win gives Pillars 21 points in 12 NPFL matches.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated visiting Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM FC) of Lagos 3-1, making the Olukoya Boys fall for the fourth time in seven away matches. Uche Ihuarulam opened scoring for the hosts, just after three minutes. Stanley Okoro made it 2-0 on 65 minutes, and then MFM FC conceded a penalty as Ihuarulam was brought down in the box. Ndifreke Effiong converted to make it 3-0. Substitute Nelson Kenedium made the scoreline respectable, scoring a consolation goal for MFM FC on 90 minutes. The loss leaves MFM FC in seventh place with 19 points after 13 matches.

Lobi Stars beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Makurdi from a 90th minute penalty many see as controversial, after they had taken full control of the match, missing many chances to score. Tony Okpotu scored from the spot, making Niger Tornadoes pointless in all their away matches so far in the 2016 NPFL.

Two first half goals secured victory for Warri Wolves against Giwa FC of Jos. Captain Goodluck Onamado scored the first goal ten minutes into the match from a header. He had taken advantage of a weak Giwa defence. On 29 minutes, John Odumegwu scored after a brilliant play by King Osanga who nutmegged Madaki before freeing John.

Enyimba, coming from a victorious CAF Champions League week, securing group stage, finally rounded off the weekend with a slim 1-0 victory over hosts Akwa United in Akwa. Christian Pyagbara scored on 38 minutes, finishing off a counter-attack. He had gotten his assist from Peter Onyekachi

Rangers International of Enugu had earlier defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 on Friday, and Saturday saw El Kanemi Warriors beat Ikorodu United 1-0 in Maiduguri.

Enugu Rangers now top the NPFL table with 24 points after 12 matches, Abia Warriors follow closely with 23 points after 12 matches (both teams have +7 goal difference), Ifeanyi Ubah sit on third place with 22 points after 13 matches.

NPFL MATCH DAY 13 RESULTS

Enugu Rangers 2-1 Nasarawa United

El Kanemi 1-0 Ikorodu United

Heartland 1-0 Sunshine Stars

Kano Pillars 6-0 Shooting Stars

Plateau Utd 2-1 Rivers Utd

Wolves 2-0 Giwa FC

Wikki 3-0 Ifeanyiubah

Abia Warriors 3-1 MFM FC

Lobi Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

Akwa Utd 0-1 Enyimba

•Photo shows MFM players shortly before the beginning of hostilities against Abia Warriors in Umuahia.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 25, 2016

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