By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on July 25, 2016

Ikorodu United on Sunday evening recorded their seventh home draw of the season, ending their encounter with visiting Nasarawa United 2-2 at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, on Week 27 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). The result earned Nasarawa United their first point away from home this season.

In an almost empty stadium (even though it was not a closed-door game), Paul Duke scored his second goal of the season on 36 minutes after a one-two with Muyiwa Lawal. Abdulrahman Rasheed equalised for the Lafia-based side, tipping the ball past Ikorodu goalkeeper Adamu Azeez on 46 minutes. It was the former Enyimba striker’s 12th goal of the season.

Ikorodu went ahead again on 59 minutes with Oluwole Balogun converting a free kick from Moses Ebiye with his head, past Nasarawa goalkeeper, Seun Ayeleso. Samson Gbadebo had the final word on 63 minutes, also from a header.

Ikorodu had an appeal for penalty on 86 minutes after Moses Ebiye was hacked down in the penalty box, but the referee waved it aside, to the relief of Nasarawa fans.

Defending champions Enyimba lost 2-0 to Plateau United at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos, with Joshua Obaje opening scoring on 37 minutes, after getting an assist from Kabiru Umar. Sunday Ingbede doubled the lead on 70 minutes to break the heart of the People‘s Elephants and dent their chances of retaining the title. Enyimba goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai had to stretch to save his side from a Benjamin Turba’s on 75 minutes effort to leave the score line at 2-0. This result moves Plateau United out of the relegation zone.

Warri Wolves defeated Akwa United 3-1 in a rescheduled game played early Sunday morning. The game was postponed due to a heavy downpour in Warri on Saturday. Ubong Friday scored on 34 minutes, putting Akwa United, ahead before Sikiru Alimi equalised from the penalty spot on 44 minutes. On 60 minutes, King Osanga put the hosts ahead again, finishing up a move he started from midfield, before Kelvin Itoya finalised the match for Warri Wolves eight minutes later.

Gambo Mohammed headed Kano Pillars to a slim 1-0 victory over Lagos side Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM FC) 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. He met the ball with a header to score. The match was a tense one, producing quality display from both sides.

Wikki Tourist back on top of the NPFL table with 47 points out of 27 games, with +20 goal difference, and Enugu Rangers with 47 points after 27 games with +8 goal difference. Rivers United sit in third place with 44 points after 26 games and Kano Pillars fourth with 42 points after 27 games.

At the rear is Ikorodu United in 19th place with 18 points after 25 games, Heartland in 18th place with 30 points after 27 games and Shooting Stars in 17th position with 33 points after 26 games.

NPFL MATCHDAY 27 RESULTS

Shooting Stars 3-1 Niger Tornadoes

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Rivers United

Heartland 0-0 FC Ifeanyi Ubah

Kano Pillars 1-0 MFM FC

Enugu Rangers 1-1 Lobi Stars

Wikki Tourist 2-0 Abia Warriors

Warri Wolves 3-1 Akwa United

Plateau United 2-0 Enyimba

Ikorodu United 2-2 Nasarawa United

•Additional Reports from the League Management Company.

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 25, 2016

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