Nigerian Football

Ten-man Akwa Disunited in Jos

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

BY MFON PATRICK.

Ten-man Akwa United suffered a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Plateau United at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos on Sunday in one of Match Day 28 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Ariwachukwu Emmanuel’s clearance inside the box bounced off Ifeanyi Ifeanyi but referee Jonathan Zakariya adjudged it to be a hand ball and awarded a penalty to the home team in the 20th minute which was converted by Emmanuel James.

Moments after the restart, Musa Newman was harshly tackled from behind, but it was Ubong Friday that got involved in an argument with Ogene Elijah. The incident fetched Friday a yellow card but further argument with the referee resulted in the winger being sent off in the 24th minute.

In a tactical move to contend the home team, Coach Abdu Maikaba replaced Cyril Olisema with Christopher Lolo in the 36th minute.

Despite the poor pitch, the midfielder was able to combine with Ifeanyi and Aremu to supply Musa Newman and Gabriel Okechukwu with some decent passes but their attacking moves were continuously repelled by Plateau United’s defence as the host went into the break with 1-0 lead.

On resumption, the league leaders enjoyed the numerical advantage and mounted pressure on the visitors, playing long balls and making long throws into the vital area.

In a bid to capitalise on the aerial balls, Coach Kennedy Boboye introduced Kabiru Umar and the tallest player in the league Emeka Umeh into the game.

Both Umeh and Umar put their height into good use towards the closing stages of the match, as Umeh headed in Daniel Itodo’s long throw in the 86th minute before Umar headed in a free kick deep into stoppage time to give the home team a comfortable 3-0 win.

The result ensured Plateau United remained on top of the log with 51 points from 28 matches while Akwa United slipped to 4th position on the log with 43 points from 27 matches and with one outstanding match against Rivers United.

The 3-0 defeat is Akwa United’s biggest defeat this season and the Promise Keepers will next face Gombe United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

Nigerian Football

Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25

Published

13 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Olawale Doyeni braces up for the NPFL's first goal of the season via penalty kick

The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.

The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.

Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65^th , 70^th and 73^rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.

Nigerian Football

Three away wins mark the opening phase of Nigeria’s Season 2024/25

Published

13 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.

It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.

Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.

Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes

Sunshine 3-0 Bayelsa: Saidu Salisu

Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United

Heartland 1-3 Enyimba

Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars

Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United

Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City

Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars

Nigerian Football

NPFL 2025 Season goes into full swing this Sunday

Published

22 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigerian football fields are set agog again as the Nigeria Premier Football League gets underway with the Season 2024/25.

The opening matches are not staggered as in the previous seasons. Rather, all the matches will be played simultaneously at 4 pm.

Sunshine Stars are hosting Bayelsa United. Bendel Insurance will host Rivers United.

Bendel Insurance begin another title race to see if they can be crownd Nigerian champions. They last won the Nigeria topmost league in 1979.

Former Enyimba and Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George opens his bew adventure in Port Harcourt with a home game of Rivers United against Bendel Insurance.

Crowd-pulling Kano Pillars will clash with new comers, Ikorodu City. Kano Pillars, with a passionate home crowd, are always a formidable opponents.

Kwara United will look to dominate at home as they host Niger Tornadoes.

The Oriental Derby will be in Owerri as Heartland FC, lucky escapee into the top league will host Enyimba FC. Heartland which took the place of Beyon Limit Academy of Ikenne be looking to make a strong start at home after re-invigorating their squad with new signings and trimming old legs.

Their coach, Emmanuel Amuneke will also have to prove his mettle in the club.

Other matches on Sunday include Abia Warriors versus Remo Stars, Nasarawa United versus Shooting Stars, and Plateau United will host Katsina United.

Lobi Stars who are consistent performers will aim to secure an early win against Akwa United on Monday.

Akwa United struggled and escape relegation last season. But the team has re-energised their squad with new signings.