Rangers International of Enugu are still topping the log of Group A despite succumbing to a 1-3 defeat by bitter rivals Eyimba FC of Aba in one of the match day 17 of the Nigeria Professional Football League played at the Eyimba International Stadium on Sunday.
The defeat is third in the series after the Flying Antelopes lost their two previous matches to Bendel Insurance and Rivers United. However, Eyimba extended their unbeaten run to 12 games after Sunday’s match to close in on the Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s tutored side with 3 points separating the duo.
Ifeanyi Anaemena gave the People’s Elephants the lead in the 15th minute, while Jean-Marie Guera made it two for the hosts three minutes later.
Godwin Aguda restored the hope of the Flying Antelopes by reducing the deficit four minutes after the break but Anaemena struck a second time to take Eyimba’s tally to 3 goals on the hour mark.
In other Group A matches, MFM defeated Rivers United at home by 2-1with reliable forward Chijioke Akuneto scoring the winning goal five minutes from regulation time.
Lobi Stars played a goalless draw with Kwara United at the Kwara Sports Stadium, Illorin.
Sunshine Stars defeated resilient Wikki Tourist of Bauchi 2-1 at the Akure Sports Stadium.
Franklin Sasere open scoring for the Owena Waves in the 14th minute with Anthony Omaka doubling the lead in the 28th minute.
Abba Umar put one back for Wikki Tourists on the stroke of the half time but they were unable to find the equalizing goal.
Hosts Katsina United beat Remo Stars 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Tasiu Lawal converted two spot kicks for the home team in the game, while Chinedu Ajanah scored the other.
Victor Chidume and Gbolahan Mustapha were on target for Remo Stars.
Bendel Insurance played out a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Niger Tornadoes of Minna at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin.
Despite the point in Benin, Tornadoes are still second from the bottom in the NPFL Group A with 15 points from 17 games. Insurance have moved to the sixth spot on 22 points.
After 17 games, Rangers International lead Group A of the Nigeria Professional Football League with 31 points, 3 points ahead of Eyimba who are on 28 points after the same number of games.
In Group B, Akwa United came back from a 1-0 down to defeat visitin Nasarawa United 2-1at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
Thomas Adesina caused panic among the home fans after he shot the visitors into the lead 14th minute into the game.
Mfon Udoh and Etboy Akpan however scored in the 40th and 47thminutes respectively to hand Akwa United maximum points in the game.
Kano Pillars thrashed relegation-threatened Plateau United 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Ibrahim Alhassan scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute to send the Lalong boys back to Jos without any point on the day.
Elsewhere, Heartland of Owerri beat Yobe Desert with 2-0 at the Okigwe Township Stadium.
Okon Otop and Robert Sunday’s own goal handed the Naze Millionaires all three points in the game.
At the Pantami Stadium, Gombe United triumphed 1-0 over Abia Warriors with Yusuf Abdulazeez grabbing the decisive goal 17 minute from regulation time.
Ifeanyi Uba defeated Delta Force at home by 2-0 to make a strong statement at the Nnewi Township Stadim.
Akwa United lead Group B of the Nigeria professional Football League with 31ponits after 17 games, while Ifeanyi Uba maintain the second spot with 30 points after the same number of games.
