NPFL: Abia Warriors wallop Kano Pillars 4-1 to climb into top-half
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Abia Warriors posted a star performance against a top-four Kano Pillars to climb to the top half of the table for the first time this season following the emphatic 4-1 drubbing of their visitors in Okigwe.
Imama Amapakabo’s men continued their impressive run of form with two goals from forward Chukwuemeka Obioma and one each from Godwin Obaje and midfielder Daniel Wotlai. Pillars’ consolation was scored by Nyima Nwagua.
In Enugu, substitute Chinonso Ezeikwe popped up to score five minutes from time to put an end to Adamawa United’s unbelievable new form which had seen them go three games unbeaten. The Flying Antelopes now go joint top of the table with Kwara United.
Austin Okon-Akpan
Godwin Obaje scored his fifth goal of the season in Abia Warriors 4-1 victory over Kano Pillars on matchday 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Okigwe Township Stadium.
Obaje scored the first goal of the encounter as The Warriors continued their fine league form. Obioma Chukwuemeka doubled the lead in the 34 minute before Nyima Nwagua pulled one back for the visitors.
Chukwuemeka secured his brace in the second half. Fatai Abdullahi provided the assist. In the 83rd minute, Daniel Wotlai scored a beautiful goal from 25 yards out to wrap a fine performance for Coach Imama Amapakabo’s team. This is the fifth win of the campaign for The Warriors and they have gather 20 points so far.
Abia Warriors gave Warri Wolves some good spanking on matchday 11 of the Nigeria Professional Football League to record their third win of the season.
The match played at the Okigwe Township Stadium ended 4-1 in favour of the Warriors who are gradually finding their rhythm after a bad start to the campaign.
As early as three minutes into the match, Sunday Williams opened scoring for coach Imama Amapakabo’s team but it didn’t take long before Chukwuemeka Obioma levelled up for the visitors.
Just before half-time, Godwin Obaje capitalised on poor defending by Warri Wolves to double the lead of the Warriors.
By Duro Ikhazuagbe
The leadership of the countryâs football have moved to sustain the gains so far made in the various leagues and improve on them.
Following complaints from stakeholders on some welfare issues capable of disrupting the topflight league in particular, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick yesterday presided over a meeting to chart a more robust course for the various leagues including; the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and the Nigeria Nationwide League One (League One).
Although full details of the moves made by the NFF leadership to end the lingering non- settlement of officialsâ indemnities were not disclosed, the meeting âdeliberated on niggling issues around the League particularly welfare of officials and resolved to tackle matters head-on in the interest of the domestic game.â
Heartland showed their intent to win against Lobi Stars early in the match when Bright Onyedikachi’s attempt in the 10th minute came off the crossbar before it was hurriedly cleared out by the visitors.
Ten minutes later, Heartland had another glorious opportunity to go in front but Emmanuel Adachi instead skied his attempt over the cross bar.
Mustapha Aliko in goal for Lobi Stars was forced to make two impressive saves in quick succession before he was booked in the 25th minute for time wasting.
Heartland continued to pile pressure on Lobi Stars defence and the resulting free kick in one of such dangerous incursions was expertly converted by Chidera Eze in the 38th minute for the opener.