NPFL WEEK 3 ROUND UP........COMPILED BY ABAYOMI ADEMETAN

Ten matches were played across the federation, in the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL). As usual fans had value for the money they paid to watch their heroes in action.

The games played at Uyo Township Stadium, Ilorin Township Stadium, Samson Siasia Stadium, Enyimba International Complex, Akure Township Stadium, Adamashingba Stadium, Sharks Stadium, Lafia Township Stadium and Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium produced a total of twenty-five goals, an average of 2.5 per match. Eight home wins were recorded, one away win and one away draw.

At Uyo Township Stadium, Uduak Ekpai’s 66^th minute rocket header settled the match between Akwa United and league champions Kano Pillars. The hardworking striker has made it two goals in three games in the current season. 

A 26^th minute penalty converted by Lordson Ichull was the difference between ABS and Dolphins at Ilorin Township Stadium. The former league champions laboured hard to mount a comeback but some impressive display by the home side prevented a possible draw.

Nigerian Balotelli, Gbolahan Salami opened the the scoring for  Shooting Stars in the 44^th minute, before Chimaobi Nwaogwu equalised for Lobi Stars in the 45^th minute of action.Further  goals from Tony Edjomangwe and  substitute Moses Ogaga ensured that the Oluyole Warriors defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in Ibadan.

Visiting Kwara United ended their two-match winless streak in the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) when they shocked Sharks one-nil at  Sharks Stadium. A low shot by the lively Nojeem Olukotun in the 55^th minute sailed past the stranded Uche Jonah in goal for the homers.

Sunshine Stars defeated Gombe United three goals to two at Akure Township Stadium. A brace from Dele Olorundare and  Jacob Oluyemi  helped the stars, while Bishop Onyeudo netted a brace for Maurice Cooreman’s boys. Former First Bank centre-back Alaba Osawe was voted man-of-the-match by pundits at the venue.  

2012 Fed Cup Kings Heartland were rampant against Kaduna United at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. The Ndubuisi Nduka- tinkered boys eliminated the visitors 4-1 on Sunday. Emeka Oghugh’s close range effort set the tone for the rout. The home side were pegged back when Peter Onoja silenced them in the 64^th minute. MFM Cup product and current Fed Cup goal machine Isah Akor made it 2-1 in the 66^th minute. Beach soccer star Bartholomew Ibenegbu aka ‘’Mosquito’’ netted the 4^th goal of the match in the 75^th minute through a wonderful free kick. He set-up Akor for the fifth goal of the match.

Enyimba International  Football Club were in no mood for fantacies against Elkanemi Warriors .They duly got what they wanted with a two-nil at Enyimba Stadium.

At Samson Siasia Stadium, captain Ola Fabiyi was fantastic in goal for Bayelsa. The team skipper made 5 saves enroute his team winning two-nil against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. Also impressive was former Ocean Boys star Blessing Okardi, who made Wikki’s defenders look ordinary on Sunday.

At Lafia Township Stadium,Nasarawa United won 2-1 against Nembe City.

Enugu Rangers  attackers failed to get past the rock solid ThankGod Ike, who shone like a million star in the colours of Warri Wolves. The fiercy derby ended goalless at Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.