Shooting Stars of Ibadan yesterday defeated Rivers United 1-0 in a rescheduled matchday 15 of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Rivers United had hoped to capitalise on the recent poor form of Shooting Stars and bidding to overturn an unimpressive run against the ‘Oluyole Warriors’.
The early minutes of the game saw both sides battling to find the opener, creating some goal-scoring chances in the process.
In the additional minutes of the first half, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to the hosts which was converted expertly by Taofeek Malomo.
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At the restart of the second half, the visitors took the game to their hosts as they sought ways to get back into the game.
Rivers United coach, Evan Ogenyi brought on Yao Bernard and Andy Okpe to replace Nyima Nwagua and Deputy Echeta but this didn’t work out as planned as Taofeek Malomo’s first-half penalty made the difference, as the Oluyole Warriors claimed their second win in 10 NPFL games.
Following this loss, the ‘Pride of Rivers’ have recorded just a point from their last five meetings against 3SC in Ibadan and that record.
Meanwhile, the NPFL board has announced a new date for the kick of the second stanza of the 2023/24 season.
The resumption date which was initially scheduled for February 14, 2024, has been changed to February 16, 2024.
The NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi disclosed this in an address to all the participating clubs.
Owumi stated that the aim is to ensure sporting fairness to all by not having any club with arrears of fixtures from the first round.
“This is to formally notify all clubs that the new date for the Matchday 20, initially scheduled for February 14, 2024, is now the weekend of Friday, February 16, 2024, to Sunday, February 18, 2024”, read part of the letter.
Lobi Stars currently top the table with 36 points and closely followed by Remo Stars, Doma United and Kano Pillars who are second, third and fourth respectively.
Heartland, Gombe United, Bayelsa United and Sporting Lagos are in the relegation zone.
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