NPL Week 12 wrap

Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) no doubt belonged to struggling ABS FC as they stunned Kaduna United to win their second game of the season and their first away win this term.

The weekend also witnessed pockets of violence in Gombe, Ibadan and Ilorin, as Enugu Rangers maintained the top spot for another week.


Kwara United 1-1 Sunshine Stars
This game was abandoned minutes to its end after the home fans encroached into the playing turf. Before violence broke out at the Ilorin stadium where Anthony Okemmiri netted on 45 minutes for Kwara United before Atanda Sakibu equalised on 83 minutes just moments before the game ended abruptly. The NPL is expected to decide on this game this week.


Wikki Tourists 1-0 Sharks
A 78th minute goal by Mustapha Ibrahim was all the Tourists needed to claim all points in Bauchi on Saturday. Wikki climb into the top six while the Blue Angels suffer their fifth loss of this season, which keeps them out of the top half.


Kano Pillars 1-0 Akwa United
The Promise Keepers gave their hosts, Kano Pillars a run for the points but Mannir Ubale converted superbly on 25 minutes, as they held on for the three points. Pillars move from eighth place to seventh while Akwa United dropped from sixth to eighth.


3SC 1-1 Warri Wolves
Maurice Cooreman in his first game in charge as Wolves' head coach secured a draw in Ibadan. Centre-back Ike ThankGod was left free to nod Wolves in front just before half time before experienced striker, Kabiru Alausa converted a spot on 69 minutes to put 3SC level.


Rising Stars 2-0 Ocean Boys
The Divine Warriors remained in the bottom four following a 0-2 loss at Rising Stars. Shedrack Francis and Chukwuma Ukazu got the goals for the Stars to climb back into the top half of the log.


Enugu Rangers 1-0 Lobi Stars
Chikeluba Ofoedu got the only goal of this game and his fifth of the season to keep Enugu Rangers top of the standings for the second week. Lobi Stars are just a place above the drop zone.


Enyimba 1-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
Jigawa Stars fought like warriors in Aba and denied Enyimba time and space until Sunday Emmanuel's effort was turned home by Amos Adamu on 76 minutes for own goal. The Peoples Elephant move into second place, as the Golden Stars replace ABS at the bottom of the standings.


Kaduna United 1-2 ABS FC
For the first time in five weeks, ABS climbed out of the bottom with a 2-1 win at Kaduna United. Christian Ofili shot ABS in front before Buhari Jafar scored in controversial circumstance from the spot on 30 minutes.

On 44 minutes, Abdulrahman Bashir scored what turned out to be the winner for ABS, as Kaduna United remain in the bottom four.


Gombe United 2-2 Heartland
Nine-man Heartland were denied the chance of winning an away game in the top flight for the first time in three years, as Gombe United held them. Emmanuel Amaefula scored in the 35th minute before Mustapha Babadidi equalised from the spot on 47 minutes.

Kabir Umar put Heartland in front again, as Brendan Ogbu and Daniel Akpeyi were sent off before Sanusi Sani put Gombe United on level terms at the death.