NPL Week 11 wrap

Nine games took place at the weekend with Enugu Rangers emerging as the best side by winning at ABS FC to go top of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) standings for the second time this season.

In Port Harcourt, the much-publicised derby between Sharks and Dolphins did not live up to its billings, as a total of 11 goals were scored on Matchday 11.


Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Rising Stars
Daniel Etor proved to be the man for the big occasion as his strike ensured that Tornadoes climbed from 13th spot to eighth in the standings. Rising Stars fought manly but the loss meant they drop out of the top half for the first time in four weeks.


Sharks 3-1 Dolphins
The Port Harcourt derby turned out to be poor by all standards though Sharks claimed all points. Bright Ejike and Kola Anubi set the Blue Angels on a winning path before Hassan Hussein pulled one back for Dolphins just after the hour mark. But a penalty converted by ThankGod Amaefule late on gave Sharks the points, as they climbed out of the bottom four.


ABS FC 0-1 Enugu Rangers
Rangers' striker, Chikeluba Ofoedu, passed a late fitness test and was named in his team's travelling contingent to Ilorin to face struggling ABS. On 50 minutes, Ofoedu scored his fourth goal of this term while goalkeeper Uche Okafor kept out Abiodun Sala's spot kick to ensure 10-man Rangers leave Ilorin with three points after Chimaobi Chukwu was sent off in the 60th minute.

Rangers go top of the standings with 19 points - one better than second placed Kwara United - while ABS are bottom with five points.


Heartland 1-0 Kwara United
The Naze Millionaires won this game with the odd goal. New boy, Brendan Ogbu netted the only goal of the game on eight minutes as Heartland held off Kwara United to climb into the top 10 of the log for the first time this term.


Lobi Stars 1-1 3SC
Festus Allen's 3SC looked like heading for an away win at Katsina-Ala when Osagona Ighodaro netted on 63 minutes. But a lack of focus on the path of Allen's men ensured that Gabriel Adikwu drew Lobi Stars level three minutes later to leave both clubs outside of the top half of the table.


Sunshine Stars 0-0 Enyimba
It was a drab game at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode. But Austin Eguavoen will be the happier of the two coaches with the result, as Enyimba picked a point on the road to remain in the top four while the Akure Gunners are 12th.


Jigawa Golden Stars 0-0 Gombe United
Gombe United made sure they held on to a top three place after Matchday 11 when they held Jigawa Golden Stars to a goalless draw at the Hadejia Township Stadium.


Ocean Boys 1-0 Kano Pillars
It was a fourth minute goal by Raphael Nwerebe that proved to be the difference for Ocean Boys as they claimed all points against Kano Pillars. In spite of the win, Ocean Boys remain in the bottom four while Pillars are a point above the drop zone but with two outstanding games to play.


Akwa United 1-0 Kaduna United
Another game that produced little on-pitch happenings. Akwa United had to rely on a penalty dispatched by Haruna Babalo to win against Kaduna United, who drop into the bottom four.