…as Lokosa hits 18th goal
Niger Tornadoes of Minna on Sunday forced Kwara United to a 1-1 draw in Nigeria Professional Football League played at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.
Segun Alebiosu stunned the home fans when he scored the opener five minutes before the half hour mark, while Eric Frimpong levelled scores for Tornadoes in the 63rd minute.
The result saw Kwara United Coach Abubakar maintaining 100 per cent record in away matches.
Meanwhile, Junior Lokosa increased his goal haul for the season to 18 as Kano Pillars beat Katsina United 3-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday to reduce the gap between them and league leaders Lobi Stars to two points.
Lokosa opened scoring for the Sai Masu Gida in the eighth minute after he was set up by Nyima Nwagua.
The former First Bank of Lagos striker turned provider for Nwagua who nodded him his inch perfect cross for Pillars’ second goal of the game in the 37th minute.
Lokosa got his side’s third three minutes after the break, intercepting Frank Kappe’s back pass before firing past goalkeeper Dami Paul.
Lokosa is now five goals away from breaking the 23-goal mark set by Mfon Udoh in the 2013/2014 season.
Champions Plateau United moved to the third position after edging out Nasarawa United 2-1 in Jos.
Returning midfielder Bature Yaro gave Kennedy Boboye’s men the lead from the spot in the 11th minute against his former club.
Nojeem Olukokun equalised for the away side five minutes after the break, heading home Samuel Oyedeji’s delightful cross.
Reuben Bala however ensured the visitors returned to Lafia empty handed by grabbing the winning goal in the 71st minute.
Enugu Rangers and Akwa United battled to a 0-0 draw at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars beat Heartland 2-1 to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.
Sikiru Alimi and Franlyn Sasere were on target for the Owena Waves, while Fortune Omoniwari got Heartland’s only goal of the game.
At the Agege Stadium, MFM suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Abia Warriors.
Ndifreke Effiong netted the winner in the 52nd minute following a mix-up in MFM’s defence.
It was Effiong’s eighth goal of the season. He is now joint-second top scorer with Kwara United’s Stephen Alfred.
River United conceded a late penalty as they were held to a 1-1 draw by El-Kanemi in Maiduguri.
El-Kanemi Warriors defender Aghahowa Otakho diverted Bernard Ovoke’s cross into his own net in first half stoppage time.
Micheal Ohanu grabbed the equaliser for the hosts on the stroke of 90 minutes.
It was Ohanu’s (who was top scorer in the Nigeria National League last season) second goal since his mid-season transfer from Kwara United.
The encounter between Yobe Desert Stars and FC IfeanyiUbah in Damaturu also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ivorian striker Seka Pascal put IfeanyiUbah head in the 45th minute, deftly lobbing the ball past El-Kanemi goalkeeper.
Philip Auta equalised for the home team three minutes from time following a goal mouth scramble.
Go Round beat Wikki Tourists 1-0 courtesy of Shedrack Oghali 54th minute strike.
