Anthony Okpotu’s 35-minute hat-trick for Lobi Stars against El-Kanemi Warriors was among the top picks of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
The two-nil loss of table-toppers Plateau United at struggling ABS FC was another highlight of Matchday 35 in the Nigeria top division as well.
Okpotu, who has now scored 68 NPFL goals, all for Lobi Stars, scored on 11, 20 and 46 minutes as his team defeated El-Kanemi 3-2 at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. Abraham Audu and Ibrahim Babangida scored for El-Kanemi.
Goals from Samuel Oyedeji and Wasiu Alalade helped ABS defeat Plateau United 2-0. Plateau United’s lead at the top has now been trimmed to three points by second-placed MFM FC.
MFM FC, playing without their influential strikers Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun, defeated Gombe United 1-0 through Monsuru Bashiru’s goal to take their points for the season to 59.
Title holders Rangers had to dig deep to see off Katsina United 2-1. Chibuzor Madu and Christian Madu got their goals which sandwiched Timothy Danladi’s spot kick for Katsina United.
Relegated Remo Stars continued their poor run by extending their winless streak to 11 matches. The Sky Blue Stars lost two-nil to Wikki. Chinedu Onyelonu and Richard Jonathan scored for Wikki.
Despite a 2-0 success by 3SC over Nasarawa United following goals from Sunday Faleye and Abayomi Adebayo, the Oluyole Warriors are still in relegation zone.
King Osanga’s free kick was enough for FC Ifeanyiubah to edge Akwa United who finished the game with 10 men after Chigozie Chilekwu was sent off for a second offence.
Kehinde Adedipe and Ajibola Otegbeye helped Sunshine Stars race into a two-goal lead against Niger Tornadoes before Wilfred Ammeh turned in Bashar Usman’s assist. The game ended 2-1 to Sunshine.
Two quickfire goals in the first half from Nyima Nwagua and Rabiu Ali secured a 2-0 victory for Kano Pillars over Abia Warriors.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 win over Enyimba. Bernard Ovoke and Abdoulaye Kanoute gave Rivers United a 2-0 lead before Franco Atcho Koffi reduced the deficit.
