For the second Matchday in a row, Remo Stars suffered defeat. But that is not enough to shake the Sky Blue Stars off the second spot as they stay four points behind Bendel Insurance in Group A of the Nigeria Professional Football League for the 2022/23 season.
In the Matchday 6 encounter at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Cyril Olisema did not waste time to shoot home side, Akwa United ahead in the fifth minute via the spot.
Qudus Akanni however unsettled the home fans in the 24th minute as he brought scores level. But just as the first time half was about to close, Uche Collins restored Akwa’s advantage, while Oluwasegun Olalaere’s 60th minute own goal guarateed maximum points for the former champions.
For the third week running, Akwa United stayed fourth in the group.
At the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, the People’s Elephant struck twice, thanks to Chukwuemeka Obioma in the 27th and 45th minutes as they sent El-Kanemi Warriors back home empty-handed.
The result enabled Enyimba to retain their third spot in Group A.
Plateau United stayed fifth as an own goal by Oriyomi Lawal ensured that Kwara United lost at Jos International Stadium.
Shooting Stars beat Nasarawa United 2-0 at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan. Samuel Ayanrinde’s brace in the 40th and 44th minutes settled the game. Shooting Stars moved a step up to No 6, replacing Gombe United, who had played goalless with log leaders Bendel Insurance on Saturday.
In Group B, Lobi Stars displaced defending champions Rivers United at the top. While the Ortom Boys settled for a barren result at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna against homeside Niger Tornadoes, the Pride of Rivers’ first loss of the season accounted for their losing ground.
Rivers shocked their hosts, Doma United in the 25th minute through Cameroonian defender Ngweni Ndasi, at Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe. But that lead lasted only five minutes as Musa Usman brought the match to a deadlock in the 30th minute. He then got the winner for Doma in the 68th minute.
With the result, Doma now occupy the fourth spot in the section.
Sunshine Stars had Stephen Chukwude to thank for his fourth minute strike against Bayelsa United, which turned out to be only goal of the encounter at the Akure Township Stadium.
Sunshine Stars had their position unchanged – fifth.
Wikki Tourists recorded their first win of the season by beating Rangers 1-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi through a first half added time goal by Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu.
Matchday 6 results:
Group A: Bendel Insurance 0-0 Gombe United, Enyimba 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors, Shooting 2-0 Nasarawa United, Akwa United 3-1 Remo Stars, Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United
Group B: Dakkada 2-4 Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars 1-0 Bayelsa United, Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Lobi Stars, Doma United 2-1 Rivers United, Wikki Tourists 1-0 Rangers
