NPFL Matchday 1: Plateau United Begin Title Defense Run With Away Win

Reigning champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Plateau  United, started off the new NPFL season with a trip to the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday, where they bested home team, Nasarawa United to take home their first win this season to kick-start their title defence run. The first half, up until 5 minutes into the second half was every bit lacklustre until Nasarawa United’s Nojeem Olukokun made a swift move at goal but couldn’t close in on the chance. This action certainly woke the reigning champions as they quickly picked up the pace and with three minutes to go for full-time, Raphael Ayagwa scored the only goal of the match to put Plateau United in the lead ensuring that the reigning champions started their title defence run on a good note.

ROUNDUP:

Kwara United 0-2 Niger Tornadoes

Newly promoted Kwara United, were on the receiving end, as last season’s Federation Cup runners-up dominated the game with 2 goals. Niger Tornadoes took the lead after 11 minutes via Eric Frimpong, who headed home from close range. Kwara’s good chance at goal was cut short as Michael Ohanu was flagged offside. In the second half, Tornadoes doubled their lead from a superb counter-attack finish by Ibrahim Babawo. FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Yobe Desert Stars FCIU hosted new boys, Yobe Desert Stars in Nnewi. Goals from Godwin Obaje and Shola Adegboye ensured that the Anambra warriors win. Wikki Tourists 1-0 Go Round FC NPFL debutant Go Round FC suffered an ‘away’ loss to Wiki Tourists in Bauchi. Nafiu Kabuga put Wiki in the lead after taking advantage of a loophole in the visiting team’s defence. Lobi Stars 1-1 Enyimba  Lobi Stars welcomed seven-time NPFL champions, Enyimba to Makurdi in an interesting matchup that saw Enyimba take the lead through a clean finish by Chinedu Udeagha. However, Lobi equalized, when they were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute and Ezekiel Mba shined bright.

Heartland 0-0 Sunshine Stars

Rivers United 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors

Rivers United defeated El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium with a goal from Guy Kuemian. Abia Warriors 2-0 MFM Last season’s runners-up MFM started their 2018 campaign away at Abia Warriors and were bested 2-0. Abia Warriors won a penalty in the second minute, but the shot was saved by MFM goalie, Folarin Abayomi. The Umuahia outfit took the lead in the second half with Effiong scoring from a rebound off a Samson Obi effort. Effiong scored a brace to solidify the Warriors’ place. Katsina United 2-2 Kano Pillars Goals from Junior Lakosa, Ajanachinedu Chukwujekwu, Alhassan Ibrahim and Destiny Ashadi shook both sides and ensured the thrill factor of this game.   Featured Image Credit: This Day Live