James keeps Plateau at the peak

Plateau United players © Shengolpixs

by Sammy Wejinya 28 June 2017

Emmanuel James’ expertly-struck penalty was the difference between the leaders, Plateau United and Nasarawa United in a well-fought Matchday 26 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided in Jos on Wednesday which the hosts won 1-0.

James converted unerringly from 12 yards in the 62nd minute after Peter Eneji was fouled in the Nasarawa United penalty area at a rocking Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.

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Plateau United have now amassed 48 points from 26 matches.

The win also guarantees Kennedy Boboye’s charges a five-point cushion at the summit of NPFL log with, MFM FC, second before the start of proceedings on
Wednesday, also winning their game on the day.

The Olukoya Boys edged a tight contest 2-1 against Sunshine Stars at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Tchato Giscard and Stephen Odey supplied the goals for the Lagos club, either side of the break, with the latter, the league’s top scorer, now on 16 goals this term.

Otegbeye Ajibola claimed Sunshine Stars’ consolation in second half added time from the penalty spot but it proved to be nothing more than academic with the hosts holding out for a nervy win.

Gombe United produced a remarkable comeback at the Pantami Stadium to beat Abia Warriors 2-1 with the hosts’ two goals arriving in the final 11 minutes of the contest.

Yakub Hammed had put the Warriors on course for a win on the road but the Desert Scorpions’ hit back with late efforts from Afolabi Abdulwaheed and Sani Abbani to turn the contest on its head.

There was also a late twist in the tale in Sagamu as Akwa United conceded late to draw 2-2 with newly-promoted Remo Stars in the day’s most exciting contest.

Victor Mbaoma had given the hosts the perfect start when he opened the scoring in the second minute but Akwa hit back with well-taken goals from Ubong Friday and Musa Newman.

The Uyo club seemed to have done enough to claim maximum points on the road until Mbaoma stepped up to convert a late penalty as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.

Kano Pillars also suffered late heartbreak on the road as they drew 1-1 against Remo Stars.
Veteran midfielder, Rabiu Ali finished off Nyima Nwangwa’s delivery to put ‘Sai Masu Gida’ in front in the 54th minute but Oyedeji Samuel salvaged a point for the hosts with an 89th minute equalizer from the spot.

Katsina United won 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko (Karkanda) Stadium against Niger Tornadoes with Obinna Eleje plundering the winner after 74 minutes.

The champions, Rangers continue to stir from hibernation as they beat a plucky FC Ifeanyiubah side 1-0 with Ifeanyi George netting the game’s only goal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Seven-time champions, Enyimba were the day’s biggest winners as they smacked El-Kanemi Warriors (second before kick off) 4-0 at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Former Rivers United man, Chinonso Okonkwo was the star of the show as he helped himself to a brace, the first an outrageous effort from 25 yards while Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Stephen Chukwude applied the coup de grace.

In the final game of the day, Chukwudi Samuel converted a penalty just after the hour as Wikki Tourists beat Lobi Stars 1-0.