Plateau pip El-Kanemi as Tornadoes record first away win
Nigeria Professional Football League leaders, Plateau United yesterday continued with their unbeaten run when they defeated visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 2-0 at the Rwang Pam stadium Jos, just as Niger Tornadoes defeated Remo Stars 1-0 in Shagamu for their first away win of the season.
With the victory, Plateau United have amassed 17 points to remain top of the table as their closest rivals, MFM, ABS, Lobi Stars and Enyimba were not in action yesterday.
Plateau United opened scoring in the 12th minute of the when bullish defender Salomon Junior headed in Daniel Itodo’s long throw-in.
The league leaders then doubled their lead before the break when Jimmy Ambrose’s long range screamer sailed into the visitors’ net in the 43rd minute.
It was also a memorable day for Coach Abubakar Bala of Niger Tornadoes as his wards stunned host Remo Stars 1-0 at the Shagamu stadium for their first away win of the season.
Inform striker, Chidiebere Ajoku scored the lone goal in the 21st minute to take his tally to 4, one less than leading scorer Stephen Odey of MFM Lagos.
In Umuahia, Sunshine Stars of Akure shook off their last week’s home defeat against MFM to hold Abia Warriors to 1-1 draw.
Sunshine Stars scored the opener in the 44th minute through Joseph Abiodun but the lead was short lived as Niifreke Effiong levelled scores three minutes later.
It was 1-0 victory for returnees Gombe United over struggling Nasarawa United at the Pantami stadium Gombe.
The ‘Desert Scorpions’ left it late to finish off Nasarawa United in the 83rd minute when Austin Oladapo scored the back breaker to inflict more misery on the visitors who had drawn their last home match 0-0 against leaders Plateau United.
Rangers, Wikki Tourists, Rivers United and FC IfeanyiUbah were not in action as they are preparing for this weekend’s continental engagements.
While champions Rangers and runners up Rivers United have CAF Champions League ties to prosecute, Wikki and FC IfeanyiUbah will be up against opponents in the CAF Confederation Cup.