_…Rivers Utd Avert 3rd Straight Defeat, Hold Remo Stars In Ikenne_
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Out-of-favour Super Eagles legend, Ahmed Musa was on target again, and for the fifth time since making his third debut for Kano Pillars, as the Sai Masugida marked their return to their traditional habitat, the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofarmata, with a battling 2-2 draw against visiting Heartland FC of Owerri, on Sunday.
The game was one of the nine Day 12 fixtures, of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) played at designated venues, across the country.
The top of the table fixture in Ikenne, that pited Rivers United FC against Remo Stars FC, however ended in a pulsating goalless draw; a result that ensured that Coach Finidi George and his men, avoided a third straight defeat, in as many games.
Like Heartland FC who though failed to extend their winning streak to four, but managed to ensure that they are unbeaten in as many as seven games; Ikorodu City FC continued with their resurgence, by coming from a goal down to beat Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan 2-1 at the MJ Arena, in Onikan, Lagos. And the Abia derby between Enyimba FC of Aba, and Abia Warriors FC ended 1-1 in Umuahia.
Reigning champions, Rangers Int’l FC edged familiar foes, Bendel Insurance FC 3-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium aka the Cathedral, to close the yawning gap between them and the log leaders, Remo Stars FC to 4 points.
Bayelsa United FC failed to build on the success of inflicting a rare home loss on Rivers United FC last weekend, and were held 1-1 in Yenagoa by visiting
Katsina United FC.
In other games decided; Sunshine Stars FC who were playing their first game in the post Coach Kennedy Boboye era, won 1-0 against Lobi Stars FC, in Akure; and Kwara United FC defeated Plateau United FC 2-0 to claim the bragging rights of another North-Central derby; while Elkanemi Warriors FC returned to winning ways, after last weekend’s mishap in Ibadan, by defeating Niger Tornadoes FC 1-0, in Maidugiri.
The only game played on Saturday saw Mohammed Baba-Ganaru’s Akwa United FC pip fellow struggling side, Nasarawa United FC, 1-0 in Uyo.
Speaking after his side’s defeat, Coach of Nasarawa United FC, Kabiru Dogo said neither the defeat in Uyo, nor the spate of disappointing results earned recently, will compel the Solid Miners to give up on their goal of staying out in the elite division.
