NPFL Matchday 7 Round Up: Akure Gunners Upset Heartland In Owerri

Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed a total number of 25 goals from nine league games, one away win and a draw was recorded.

The Super Sunday fixtures began with a double-header as two Port Harcourt outfits Sharks FC and Dolphins FC gave the Garden City league lovers some moment to savour.

The Blue Angels were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Taraba in the early fixture of Week 7.Standing in captain, Thompson Stowe put the homers in front with three minutes into game with a superb strike from the right egde out of the box, Dream Team player, Usman Mohammed drew level for the visitors from the spot, Chiamaka Madu doubled his team's lead in the 47 minutes, super sub, Chinedu Ohanachom grabbed the decisive equaliser following a wonderful team play.

The second double-header saw Dolphins FC  adding salt to Lobi Stars injury who are yet to win a game in the seven weeks old NPFL with a two nill victory. Sochuma Elum got his first goal in Dolphins jersey in the 53rd minute since joining them this season from an Abuja based academy, Jonathan Zikiye put the icing on the cake for Stanley Eguma's side  as they secure thier second win of the season.

Giwa FC found their way back to the top of the NPFL table with a 3-1 victory over Bayelsa United in Jos. Charles Okoro got the match opener, Edoh Ocheme scored the second of the day and gave their fans some level of confidence, Ibrahim Shuaibu netted his fourth goal of the season as he take the game beyond the travellers in the 73rd minute to kill off any hope of a late fight back from the visitors. Tonbara Tiongoli consoled the Restoration Boys with a goal towards the ended of 90 minutes.

Wikki Tourists of Bauchi recorded their highest scoreline of this season with a 4-2 truimph over Enugu Rangers. Waziri opened the flood gate of goals after 14 minutes of play, Godwin Aguda drew level for Rangers two minutes after the opener, Uche Martins restored the Tourists lead in 26th minute Mubarak Umar dimmed Kelechi Emetole tutored side hope of getting a point in Bauch with seven minutes brace. Bobby Clement scored the second goal the Flying Antelope.

Afonja Warriors returned to winning ways on Sunday in Ilorin with a slim victory over NPFL reigning champions Kano Pillars. Emma Eviemere goal in the 20 minutes gave Kwara United the much-needed three points.

Sunshine Stars of Akure upset Heartland football club at home yesterday at the Dan Anyim Stadium with a three nill away win. Tunde Adeniji was the nightmare for the Naze Millionaires' he scored twice in that encounter and gave his team mate the on-the-pitch motivation they needed for the sweet victory. Prince Aggrey added the third goal in the additional time.

Sunday Adetunji 40 seconds strike handed El-Kanemi Warriors a 1-0 win over Zakary Baraje's Akwa United side in Kano on Sunday. It was indeed a tough encounter for Borno Warriors. The victory pushed them to 7th position on NPFL log.

Two  second half goals in the game between Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors saw the Solid amassing the maximum points. Malachy Iloh puts Nasarawa Utd ahead in the 47 minutes of the encounter, Ugochukwu Leonard sealed the victory for Baba Ganaru side eight minutes after the first goal.

Enyimba of Aba were defeated in Oriental derby on Sunday when NPFL newcomers Gabros International FC put the game beyond the Peoples' Elephant with a two nill triumph. Chukwudi Stephen hit the target for the home side seven minutes inro the second half, the Ifeanyi Ubah sponsored team got a penalty in the added time Chibuzor Okonkwo blasted the spot kick past Enyimba goalkeeper Moses Ocheje.

Photo Credit: Tola Badekale