Niger Tornadoes and 3SC recorded massive victories yesterday after they thrashed Abia Warriors and Gombe United 3-0 respectively in MatchDay 15 of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) abridged season.
In Kaduna where Niger Tornadoes are playing their home matches, the host benefited from junior international Munir Idris’ brace and David Okoroma’s goal to beat Abia Warriors 3-0 and improve their chances of qualifying for the Super 6 playoff.
After a barren first half, Idris opened the scoring in the 54th minute and doubled Tornadoes lead after two minutes before Okoromo sealed victory with the third in the 76th minute.
At the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, 3SC trounced Gombe United 3-0 with Malomo Taofeeq putting the hosts in front two minutes before half time. In the second half, Udoh Godwin and new signing Douglas Achiv scored a goal each in the 47th and 66th minute for the ‘Oluyole Warriors’ to win convincingly and move into fifth position on the table.
In another Group A match, former African champions, Enyimba fought back to draw 1-1 with Remo Stars to maintain their second position. The visitors took the lead through Odubia in the 43rd minute and held on until the eighth minute of second half added time when experienced striker, Chikioke Mbaoma, found the equaliser for Enyimba.
And in the other Group A match played in Jos, Plateau United compounded the woes of their neighbours, Nasarawa United with a hard fought 1-0 victory courtesy of Nenrot Silas’ goal in the 13th minute of the match.
In Group B, leaders Lobi Stars fell to a slim 0-1 loss at Sunshine Stars as they failed to recover from David Onovo’s header in the 23rd minute of the gruelling encounter.
Despite the loss, Lobi Stars who have played two matches more than Rivers United still lead the table with 26 points but are under intense pressure from Doma United who laboured to a 2-1 win over Bayelsa United at the Pantami Stadium Gombe to temporarily occupy the second place with 25 points.
After a goalless first half, Chibuike Charles gave Doma the lead in the 53rd minute, Ekawu Hilary doubled the lead in the 68th but Bayelsa United reduced the tally seven minutes from time for a nervy finish.
