Lobi retain NPFL top spot after win over Pillars
L@olusola_jide obi Stars have again proven that they are worthy league leaders as the Pride of Benue defeated rivals, Kano Pillars in the biggest match of the week yesterday evening.
The Match Day 18 of the Nigerian Professional Football League played at the Ape Aku stadium in Makurdi, against the former champions, lived up to its hype and billing.
The home side showed they meant business as they mounted pressure on the visitors from the very first minute of the game with two corners in quick successions.
The first real chance of the game came in the 25th minute after some build up movement but Toni Okpotu of Lobi wasted the chance to put the home side by volleying the ball over the bar.
However, there were moments of brilliance from Pillars when the trio of Anaezemba, Auwalu and Ali beautifully exchanged passes that dazed the home side.
Lobi Stars thereafter took over and dictated the pace, but despite the pressure on the visitors, the home side failed to hit the back of the net in the first half.
The second half began in a similar fashion as the home side threw everything their arsenal at Pillars’ defence, which eventually paid off in the 81st minute when Ayo Saka beautifully connected with a free kick to give the leaders the desired lead.
Efforts by the league leading scorer, Junior Lokosa to increase his goal tally and help his team were fruitless as the well grilled Lobi defence thwarted all efforts.
Matters became worse for the Masu Gida as Kano Pillars are known as they were reduced to 10 men following the red card to Chris Madaki for dissent.
With the victory, Lobi Stars remain top of the league table with 33 points from 17 matches, while Pillars are now seventh with 25 points.
In the other matched played yesterday, Nasarawa United defeated Abia Warriors 1-0, Katsina United also humbled El-Kanemi by the same margin, while Akwa United were 2-1 better than Sunshine Stars.
CAF Confederation campaigners Enyimba FC of Aba held host Wikki Tourists to a 0-0 draw, the same result recoded in the match between hosts FC IfeanyiUbah and Rangers. Kwara United and Go Round drew their match 1-1, while Niger Tornadoes dismissed Yobe Desert Stars 1-0 in Minna.