Sunday, April 3, 2022 is a day that will live long in the memory of youngster, Godfrey Utim, who scored on his debut for Lobi Stars in their 2-0 victory over Enugu Rangers at the Aper Aku stadium Makurdi.
Lobi Stars who are desperately in need of points to swim out of relegation waters were held to a barren draw in the first half but experienced midfielder Raphael Ayagwa put them in front from the spot in the 68th minute before substitute Utim fired in the second in the 89th minute following a solo run from diminutive midfielder Chukuwuka Onuwa.
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The goal that sealed victory for Lobi Stars was the first for big striker Utim who recently joined his home club from Akwa United.
In other MatchDay 20 fixtures decided Sunday, Abel James and Victor Mbaoma scored a goal each as Enyimba defeated Wikki Tourists 2-0 in Aba, Kwara United fought back to beat Remo Stars 2-1 with goals from Kabiru Balogun and Samad Kadiri after Haruna Hadi had put the visitors in front in the 34th minute and Nasarawa United laboured to a 2-0 win over 3SC in their adopted home ground Jos.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars started the second round on a losing note as they fell 0-1 at Gombe United after substitute Barnabas Daniel sent Joshua Enaholo the wrong way from the spot in the 65th minute.
In Akure, second-placed Plateau United suffered a slim 0-1 loss to Sunshine Stars after Kolade Adeniyi scored in the 78th minute to hand the ‘Akure gunners’ the maximum points.
Emmanuel Jonas was the hero in Kaduna where Niger Tornadoes struggled to beat Dakkada FC 1-0 at the Ahmadu Bello stadium. His brilliant volley in the 70th minute was enough to give the Íkon Allah’ boys victory.
In the battle of bottom of the table teams, MFM of Lagos who were the last on the table going into the week 20 fixture edged out Heartland 1-0 through Micah Ojodomo’s solitary strike in the 33rd minute.
Rivers United who secured a 1-1 draw at Akwa United on Saturday have maintained their top position with 43 points and are closely followed by Plateau United with 41 points.
