Abia Warriors maintained their 100 percent record to the start of the 2022/23 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after brushing aside newly promoted Bayelsa United 3-1 in what was a winning return to the Umuahia Township Stadium in almost three years.
The Warriors were quick out of the block as Kalu Nweke scored in the second minute, while second half strikes by youngsters Bello Lukman (65th minute) and Henry Udezuka (87th minute) ensured all three points for the home side.
Abia Warriors remain top of the table in Group B with six points, having won on Matchday 1 in Awka 2-0 against the hosts, Rangers 2-0.
Still in Group B, NPFL giants, Enugu Rangers lost a second consecutive match after going down 0-1 to Lobi Stars at the Benue State side’s adopted home ground in Jos.
Lobi Stars left it late as they had to with until the 82nd minute for Joseph Atule to score and snatch all three points for the Ortom Boys.
The result leaves Rangers coach Abdul Maikaba under serious pressure having not scored in two matches this season, conceding three goals and also won just two of their last 10 NPFL matches from last season.
In another Group B fixture of the midweek, Dakkada FC picked their first win of the season after edging Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
The Tourists stormed to a second minute lead, thanks to Ismalia Maiyaki but Kufre Ebong equalised for Dakkada in the 30th minute before Aniekan Ekpe completed the come back for the hosts when he scored after 70th minutes.
In the only Group A game of the evening, Enyimba and 2021/22 champions Akwa United played out a disappointing barren result at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba. The People’s Elephant moved to the top of the table temporarily with four points from two matches, while Akwa United can only boast of a point from two games.
Other Group A matches will be played on Thursday.
Wednesday results:
Enyimba 0-0 Akwa United
Lobi Stars 1-0 Enugu Rangers
Dakkada 2-1 Wikki Tourist
Abia Warriors 3- 1 Bayelsa United
Thursday’s matches:
Group A
El Kanemi Warriors v Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance v Plateau United
Gombe United v Remo Stars
Shooting Stars v Kwara United
Group B:
Niger Tornadoes vs Doma United
Sunshine Stars v Rivers United
