Big wins for Lobi, Nasarawa as Tornadoes taste first victory

There were resounding victories for Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League as five wins and five draws were recorded in midweek matches played yesterday.

Embattled Lobi Stars came back from 0-4 thrashing in the hands of MFM to beat visiting ABS FC Ilorin 3-0 in Makurdi, just as Nasarawa United who lost 0-1 against Katsina United returned to the Lafia township stadium with an emphatic 3-1 win over new comers Remo Stars.

Kingsley Eduwo scored a brace for Lobi Stars while substitute Nwangwa Nyima made it three for the home side.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United rubbed salt into the wounds of the coach Nduka Ugbade tutored Remo Stars with Abdulrahman Bashir, Douglas Achiv and captain Emmanuel Makama scoring the goals that gave the ‘solid miners’ their first victory of the season.

Plateau United’s unbeaten run continues as they forced host Gombe United to 0-0 draw at the magnificent Pantami stadium Gombe while El-Kanemi Warriors beat neighbours Katsina United 1-0 when Sunday Anthony’s overhead kick in the 90th minute handed them the maximum points.

In Akure, it took a penalty converted in the 82nd minute by Sikiru Alimi for Sunshine Stars to run away with the maximum points against Kano Pillars just as Tornadoes recorded their first win of the season after beating Wikki Tourists 2-0 in Lokoja.

Tornadoes Technical Adviser, Abubakar Bala explained to Daily Trust what the victory means to his team. “It is a very important win for us. This is the first victory for us this season and we are really happy.

“Looking at the profile of our opponents, we have every reason to be excited. We are putting this victory behind to start preparing for our next match against Rangers. It is another big one but we are ready to fight for the three points,” he said.

Nigeria’s continental representatives, FC IfeanyiUbah and Rivers United ended it 0-0 in Nnewi, Akwa United were held 0-0 by champions Rangers in Uyo just as the goal that came late from the penalty spot saved 3SC against rampaging MFM in Ibadan. Sikiru Olatunbosun had given the visitors the lead just before the end of first half.

The local derby between Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC ended in a barren draw but it was no doubt an entertaining duel that saw both team’s displaying good football artistry.