Former African champions, Enyimba FC of Aba yesterday defeated eastern rivals Enugu Rangers 3-1 in Aba to top the much talked about ‘oriental derby’ just as Katsina United narrowly survived Remo Stars scare to win all points in their NPFL week 17 fixture at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium Katsina.
Apart from the 0-0 draw played between Kwara United and 10-man Lobi Stars in Ilorin, all the home teams won their matches.
In Aba, Enyimba’s towering defender Ifeanyi Anaemena scored the opener in the 15th minute, Jean Marie Guera made it two in the 18th minute before Rangers talismanic striker Godwin Aguda reduced the tally four minutes into the second half.
Anaemena however scored his second and third goal for Enyimba in the 60th minute to ensure the ‘elephants’ trample on the ‘flying antelopes’ and also maintain their unbeaten run.
Struggling Remo Stars gave Katsina United a big fright as they fought back to end their tie 3-2. Tasiu Lawal scored from the spot in the 9th minute, Chinedu Ajanah made it two but Remo Stars played themselves back into the match with Victor Chidume reducing the tally in the 25th minute.
However, in the 32nd minute Lawal gave Katsina United their third goal in the 32 minute and United were cruising to victory but when Gbolahan Mustapha scored Remo’s second in the 80th minute, there was palpable tension for the host but they held firm to run away with the maximum points.
There were also slim victories in Kano, Gombe and Lagos where Pillars managed 1-0 win over Plateau United, Gombe United squeezed out another 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors just as MFM also subdued hard fighting Rivers United 1-0 at the Agege township stadium.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars defeated Wikki Tourists 2-1, Yobe Stars fell 0-2 at Heartland, Akwa United won 2-1 against Nasarawa United and FC IfeanyiUbah beat Delta Force 2-1 in Nnewi.
NPFL Week 17 results
Saturday
B/Insurance 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-2 Go Round
Sunday
Sunshione Stars 2-1 Wiki Tourists
MFM 1-0 Rivers United
Enyimba 3-1 Rangers
Kwara United 0-0 Lobi Stars
Katsina United 3-2 Remo Stars
Heartland 2-0 Yobe Stars
Akwa United 2-1 Nasarawa United
Kano Pillars 1-0 Plateau United
FC IfeanyiUbah 2-1 Delta Force
Gombe United 1-0 Abia Warriors
