Rangers International began life at the Awka Stadium in Anambra state with a sizzling win over Lobi Stars in an eight-goal thriller on Saturday evening.
Abdu Maikaba’s men defeated the Pride of Benue 5-3 on a memorable occasion to signal the start of sporting life at the new stadium. Kenechukwu Agu’s 10th minute penalty and a brace by former Lobi boy Ossy Martins gave Rangers a shock 3-0 lead at half time.
Winger Chidiebere Nwobodo made it 4-0 just after the break but Lobi scored twice in nine minutes through Raphael Ayagwa (from the spot) 57′ and Joshua Akhabue 66′ but the hosts quickly extended their lead again through Agu’s second of the day. Douglas Achiv’s 81st minute goal for Lobi marked the end of the frenzied encounter.
Consequentially, Rangers’ win takes them to within five points of league leaders Rivers United and four points adrift of second placed Plateau United. Both front-runners however have home games to negotiate on Sunday. Lobi Stars however drop down to second from bottom on the table.
The game between Abia Warriors and Katsina United in Okigwe also produced another goal fest. Unlike the Awka frenzy, all four goals were shared by both sides in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Also noteworthy was that all four goals in this MatchDay 19 encounter were scored in the first half. The visitors stunned their hosts when Mustapha Salisu scored in the 16th minute but Warriors replied nine minutes later through in-form forward Valentine Odoh.
Katsina went back in front in the 29th minute through Waheed Adebayo’s effort which was again cancelled out six minutes later by Godwin Obaje’s goal. The point meant that Katsina United stay one point above the relegation zone while Warriors are a further point above them.
Ten-man Dakkada FC swam out of the relegation zone at the midway point of the season after a 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes in Uyo.
Edidiong Ezekiel’s 2nd minute strike and Sunday Akinmoladun’s own goal on the quarter hour mark gave the hosts the best of starts before Sani Rabiu’s late penalty made for a respectable scoreline for Abubakar Bala-led Tornadoes. Dakkada defender Ibukun Harrison was sent off late in the encounter.
In Owerri, MFM FC continued their possible journey to survival after they held Erasmus Onu’s Heartland FC to a 0-0 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Chances were few and far between in the relegation six-pointer as MFM claim an away point for a third successive away game. They still remain bottom of the log though, four points adrift of safety with Heartland currently third from bottom.
Six more matches will be decided on Sunday as the league goes on a two-week mid-season break after the conclusion of MatchDay 19 hostilities.
Saturday’s Results
Rangers Int’l 5-3 Lobi Stars
Abia Warriors 2-2 Katsina United
Dakkada FC 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Heartland FC 0-0 MFM FC
Sunday’s matches
Rivers United vs Akwa United
Plateau United vs Sunshine Stars
Wikki Tourists vs Enyimba Int’l
Kano Pillars vs Gombe United
Remo Stars vs Kwara United
Shooting Stars vs Nasarawa United
