Lobi Stars drown 1-2 at Rivers United …As Enyimba, Akwa United, Wolves suffer home defeats
Lobi Stars yesterday suffered a slim 1-2 loss against Rivers United in one of the week 15 NPFL matches decided at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port-Harcourt but managed to keep the top spot on superior goal difference.
Although both Lobi Stars and Rivers United now have same 27 points, the ‘pride of Benue’ are first on the table with a goal difference of plus 10 as against Rivers United’s seven.
The Benue-side who have now suffered their third league defeat began the game on the back foot as they fell to a second minute goal scored by Nelson Esor from the first corner kick of the game.
However, in the 11th minute, Lobi’s John Lazarus from the right wing caught the Rivers United defenders napping to restore parity for his side.
When the second half resumed, Lobi Stars pushed for the match winner but it was Rivers United who laughed last as Malachi Ohawume scored the winning goal in the 75th minute.
Elsewhere, there were shocking home defeats for Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves and Akwa United.
At the Aba township stadium, Enyimba failed to maintain their continental form as they fell 0-2 to Heartland in the ‘oriental derby’.
After disappointing results, Enugu Rangers also gave their fans something to cheer as they defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 at the
Warri Township stadium just as strugglers Kwara United shocked their more illustrious opponents, Akwa United 2-1 in Uyo.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars dimmed Plateau United 2-1 to record back to back victories having won 2-1 away at Wikki Tourists on Sunday.
At the Agege township stadium, MFM’s Joshua Akpuje scored an own goal before netting two more goals to hand his team a vital 2-1 win over visiting Jigawa Golden Stars.
The north-west derby between Katsina United and Kano Pillars ended in 1-1 draw after Tasiu Lawal cancelled out Seun Adelani Yusuf’s goal.