The rescheduled matches for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) took place today across four match centers. The matches were earlier scheduled to take place on Matchday 1 but newly promoted teams were given time off due to their participation in the NNL super six tournament a week earlier.
Moreso, Nigeria’s representatives in CAF competitions had matches in the continent and as such, their league ties were postponed.
At the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, where Wikki Tourists play their home games, Aliyu Zubairu’s side played host to new side Bendel Insurance and were looking to bounce back from a weekend defeat at home to Sunshine Stars. They were nearly stunned by the visitors in the 5th minute as Enaruna’s attempt from outside the area ricocheted off the woodwork.
The hosts continued to mount pressure on the Benin Arsenal and in the 51st minute, they were rewarded with their goal. Sulaiman Muhammed was just at the right place, at the right time to capitalise on a defensive error and score into an empty net. Wikki held on to earn a much deserved victory over coach Monday Odigie and his wards.
Yobe Desert Stars played hosts to Gombe United at the August 27 Stadium and all they needed was the early goal scored by Abdullahi Usman in the first half to see off the newly promoted Savannah Scorpions.
Rivers United left it late to beat visiting Remo stars. In an end to end game that saw chances spurned mostly by the home side, Rivers United defender Kunle Odunlami was given his marching orders in the 90th minute. Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi was also booked for persistent time wasting and just when it looked like it was going to be a scoreless draw, wonder-boy Wasiu Jimoh popped up with the goal in the 90+5 min.
His celebration however came with a yellow card as he pulled off his shirt.
This win ensures Stanley Eguma’s side maintain their unbeaten run in the league this season.
Fresh from that derby win against their arch rivals, Rangers of Enugu welcomed Niger tornadoes to “The Cathedral”. It was their third league match of the season, having previously lost to MFM FC on Lagos and triumphing over Enyimba during the weekend.
The Flying Antelopes dominated the game for its full duration and one wouldn’t have expected a goal fest in their favour. But it wouldn’t be so, as coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s side were so wasteful in front of goal. A first half strike from Bright Silas was however enough to hand the maximum points to the home side.
Other the rescheduled match, GoRound FC host new boys Kada City FC on Thursday, January 31 2019.
