It rained goals on Sunday in Katsina and Kaduna where Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes recorded massive victories against Enugu Rangers and Gombe United respectively in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 29 matches.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United survived Enugu Rangers’ late rally to win the keenly contested match 4-3.
Diminutive midfielder, Falolu Azeez opened the scoring for the hosts in the 5th minute but five minutes later, Isaac Saviour drew the visitors level. In the 17th minute, Okoro Ibe restored Katsina United’s lead and a minute later, Godwin Obaje equalised for the visitors but before the first half break, Ibe grabbed his brace to put United ahead again.
On resumption, Andrew Idoko scored in the 50th minute to keep United in firm control of proceedings but when it appeared the goals had stopped coming, Joel Odoh scored again in the 81st minute to reduce the deficit.
- US extends duration of work permits for Nigerians, other non-citizens
- Niger secures $114m loan from ECOWAS bank
Katsina United have now moved to sixth on the table while Rangers are still leading the table on superior goal difference.
At the Lafia City Stadium, Lobi Stars piped title holders Enyimba 1-0 after Alao Danbani scored the only goal of the match in the 58th minute for the ‘Pride of Benue’ to climb to second on the table.
The former champions have the same 51 points with Rangers but are in second place because of inferior goal difference.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes continued with their good run as they hammered relegation bound Gombe United 5-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Clinton Jeptha scored a brace in the 6th and 86th minute while Ernest Chidibere, Mohammed Hussaini and Bashiru Usman scored a goal each for Tornadoes to record the biggest win of the day.
In Ilorin, Kwara United fought back to draw 1-1 with Bendel Insurance, Sunshine Stars also recovered late to draw 1-1 at home with Bayelsa United while relegation-threatened Heartland got a reprieve from heartache with a 3-1 victory over Sporting FC in Awka.
Meanwhile, embattled Kano Pillars will take on 3SC today at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
