NPFL: Akwa Utd begin title defence with victory over Pillars

  Defending champions, Akwa United have begun their Nigeria Professional Football League title defence with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. The Kennedy Boboye side who are known for slow starts in previous campaigns opted to change the narrative when in the 15th minute, when the Kano Pillars […]

 

Defending champions, Akwa United have begun their Nigeria Professional Football League title defence with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.

The Kennedy Boboye side who are known for slow starts in previous campaigns opted to change the narrative when in the 15th minute, when the Kano Pillars goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo was forced to make a fingertip save to deny Ubong Friday from putting the champions in front.

Just before the first half ended, Ezekiel Bassey got the champions in front following an assist by Chukwude Stephen. In the 52nd minute, Chukwude scored his first goal of the season to double Akwa’s advantage.

At the 90th minute, John Friday ensured that his side finished the game 3-0 as Kano Pillars returned home empty-handed.

In Aba, Enyimba once again conquered Abia Warriors in the Abia derby with a 2-1 victory.

As expected in the Abia derby, both sides controlled possession evenly with few chances at goal in the early stages of the game.

In the 21st minute, the first real chance of the game came the way of the hosts. Fatai Abdullahi’s impeccable ball over the defence finds Victor Mbaoma through on goal but he dragged the ball on the turf for an easy pick-up by Okiemute.

In the 34th minute, Ekene Awazie with the curtain-raiser for the People’s Elephant. He cushioned Philip Ozor’s ball over the top before hitting home a soft volley beyond Aba Warriors goalkeeper, Okiemute Odah

At the restart of the second half, the Warriors drew level through a brilliant overhead kick by Paul Samson after another great cross by Chimezie Njoku with the scoreline at 1-1.

Enyimba continued to search for more goals and were rewarded in the 77th minute when through Chigozie Obasi’s ferocious free-kick, which squirmed under the body of Okiemute and into the net and this was enough for Finidi George to win his first game in the league.

In Katsina, the home side lost 1-2 to visiting Enugu Rangers while Kwara United hammered Dakkada FC 3-0 in Ilorin.

Gombe United and Shooting Stars played a goalless draw in the battle of the newly promoted sides in Gombe while Niger Tornadoes stunned Plateau United 1-0.

Nasarawa United began their campaign with a 3-3 draw with Heartland FC just as Lobi Stars and Rivers United also played out a 1-1 draw in Makurdi.

Meanwhile, the game between Sunshine Stars and Wikki Tourists, which failed to hold as scheduled will be played today at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode.