Table-topping Lobi Stars ended the first stanza of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season in style after the Makurdi based side edged regional rivals Plateau United 1-0 in the week 19 match played Sunday at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State.
Junior international, Kumaga Suur, was the hero as he scored the only goal of the match in the 23rd minute to ensure that Lobi Stars remain top of the table with 36 points as the league goes on mid-season break.
On the heels of Lobi Stars are Remo Stars who defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 in Ikenne to finish the first round in second place with 35 points just as former African champions Enyimba stunned hosts 3SC 2-1 in Ibadan to climb to the third position on 32 points with a match in hand.
In Ikenne, Dele Akori put Remo Stars ahead in the 9th minute, Ahmed Akinyele doubled the lead for the ‘Sky Blue’ boys in the 63rd minute before Sunday Megwo reduced the deficit for Abia Warriors in the 69th minute.
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At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Enyimba’s Chijioke Miracle Mbaoma opened the scoring in the 56th minute from the spot before Kareem Ademola drew the hosts level in the 84th minute.
However, Favour Chibueze grabbed the match winner in the fifth minute of second half added time for the ‘Aba Elephants’ to take home the maximum points.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars left it late to compound the relegation woes of Heartland as Suleiman Idris and the legendary Rabiu Ali scored in each half of the match for the 2-1 victory.
In Uyo, Friday Ubong scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 79th minute as Akwa United pip Enugu Rangers 1-0 while Katsina United secured a crucial point on the road as they battled Niger Tornadoes to a barren draw in Kaduna.
At the end of the first stanza, Lobi Stars, Remo Stars and Enyimba placed first, second and third respectively while Heartland, Gombe, Bayelsa United and Sporting Lagos were left wallowing in relegation waters.
