Nigerian Football
Lobi Stars Down Akwa United
BY MFON PATRICK
Lobi Stars came from a goal down to beat Akwa United 2-1 on a Match Day 16 encounter of the NPFL at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi to moved up to 6th place on the table on Thursday.
Winger Moses Ebiye gave Akwa United the lead in the fifth minute after being assisted by Otobong Effiong.
Dennis Nya equalized for Lobi Stars from the penalty spot after Semiu Laidi’s clumsy challenge on Akleche Sunday in the box in the 30th minute.
A thigh injury to Ebiye saw him replaced by Nura Usman as the two sides ended the first 1-1.
The Makurdi based side completed their comeback in the 57th minute when Anthony Okpotu capitalized on a defensive mistake between Godspower Igudia and goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu to score the winning goal.
The result moved Lobi Stars to sixth on the NPFL table with 23 points from 16 matches while Akwa United slipped to 13th on the log with 20 points from the same number of games.
The defeat was the first time this season that Akwa United have lost a league match after taking the lead.
The Promise Keepers will take on Shooting Stars Sport Club of Ibadan at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.