NPFL Week Five Review: Sunshine Stars bow to Gombe United

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The Owena Whale continued with their stuttering performance against the Desert Warriors, while Plateau United remain at the summit of the Nigeria topflight

Rivers United 0-0 Lobi Stars

Lobi Stars put up a brave display to draw 0-0 with Rivers United on Sunday. The Pride of Benue dusted themselves to hold the Port Harcourt side at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. The Makurdi based outfit would be indebted to their goalkeeper Okiemute Odah who pulled great saves to deny the hosts. Coach Godwin Uwua hatched a plan which frustrated the Pride of Rivers.

Wikki Tourists 3-1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah

Wikki Tourists remain unbeaten at home as they came from a goal down to beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah 3-1 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. The Giant Elephants came into the game desperately looking for a win, after being haunted 2-0 by Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday. Their unbeaten home record was almost broken as the Anambra Warriors took a lead courtesy Prince Aggrey's header.

The game, however, turned around in spectacular fashion, with Wikki Tourists coming back from a goal down to win 3-1, with a brace from Richard Jonathan and Idris Guda's late strike.

The win moved Wikki Tourists up to seventh place, with seven points, three  points ahead of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, who dropped to 18th place.

ABS FC 2-0 Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars' woes continued as they lost their third game of the season. ABS FC beat coach Fatai Amoo's boys by a convincing two goals, with a each half from Mohammed Mohammed and Ebuka Anaekwe. Before Mohammed's opener, youngster Adeshina Issa Gata saw his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Michael Uweru. The Saraki Boys, who lost their last game against Lobi Stars, made sure Amoo recorded his third loss in his fifth game in charge of the Oluyole Warriors, amidst one draw and a win. Stars dropped to 19th place, with ABS FC moving up to third position.

Enugu Rangers 1-1 Niger Tornadoes

Enugu Rangers head coach Imama Amapakabo oversaw a pulsating one all draw with an impressive Niger Tornadoes. Godwin Aguda put the reigning league champions ahead before Chidebere Ajoku equalised for his third goal of the season. The result at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium meant the Enugu side increased their draw tally to three in five games, with six points amassed from their games played so far. Tornadoes are 17th in the 20-team table.

Remo Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Remo Stars grabbed a comfortable 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors at the Gateway Stadium. Onuoha Chukwujekwu and Ochewechi Salefu scored in each half to ensure a perfect result for the Sky Blue Stars. From the very first whistle Remo Stars enjoyed the majority of the initial proceedings, making it very difficult for the visitors to settle on the natural turf. Nduka Ugbade's side calmed nerves of the home team after Chukwujekwu slotted the opener after four minutes from a free kick.

The Sky Blue Stars despite enjoying the lion share of proceedings and dominating the entire half, however, failed to add to the tally until the half time whistle. The hosts returned from the recess to continue from where they left it in the first half, El-Kanemi Warriors were quiet and were struggling to settle. Salefu finally confirmed he's a dead ball specialist as he poked in a  minute free kick to cushion Remo Stars lead.

Gombe United 2-0 Sunshine Stars

After a long wait at the Pantami Stadium, it was Gombe United who came out victorious thanks to late goals from Sani Sanusi and Manir Ubale against Sunshine Stars. The game started on a fast pace with Gombe United passing the ball around with swagger and making their intention of carrying the day clear. Sani finally broke the deadlock after an 85th minute blunder from Olorunleke Ojo. Ubale doubled the lead via a penalty kick in the dying moments.

Katsina United 1-1 Akwa United

Akwa United fought bravely and picked a 1-1 draw at the home ground of Katsina United. Ibrahim Alhassan scored the first goal for the Promise Keepers but Kastina United restored parity in the second half through Obinna Eleje. Goalkeeper Femi Kayode was outstanding for the visitors. The hosts pushed for the second goal but the Abdu Maikaba managed team held on to get a point at the Mohammodu Dikko Stadium.

Enyimba FC 2-1 Nasarawa United

Enyimba FC posted a narrow 2-1 win over Nasarawa United at the UJ Esuene Stadium. A brace from Mfon Udoh rendered Adamu Hassan's goal as a consolation.  The victory sees the two-time African champions move up to fourth spot in the NPFL standings, while Nasarawa United remain in 16th spot.