Remo Stars maintain lead despite defeat as Plateau bash Bayelsa 5-1

Old war horse, Rabiu ‘Pele’ Ali, was among the goal scorers as Kano Pillars defeated league leaders, Remo Stars 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, yesterday.

The 39-year-old Ali grabbed Kano Pillars’ second goal in the 78th minute to hand the former champions a win that took them up to the sixth spot on the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) table.

Ibrahim Mustapha had given Pillars a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute, but Ojo Ekundayo Solomon cancelled the advantage in the 72nd minute before Ali struck.

In a top of the table clash in Lafia, Lobi Stars beat Doma United 2-1 to overtake their victims as second on the log, with Bauchi-based Doma United dropping to the third position.

Stanley Ogamba gave the Makurdi-based Lobi Stars the lead in the third minute. He made it 2-0 in the 80th minute off a goalmouth scramble before Andrew Samuel Enefiok reduced the tally in the 96th minute.

In Jos, Albert Hillary scored a hattrick as Plateau United hit Bayelsa United 5-1. Hillary got his goals in the 22nd, 24th and 61st minutes before Emmanuel Silas Nimrod and Izuchukwu Chimezie completed the rout in the 65th and 91st minutes respectively. Before then, Bayelsa United had given their fans a short-lived hope of revival in the 28th minute through a goal by Ekeson Okorie.

Sunshine Stars and Gombe United drew 1-1 in Akure, Niger Tornadoes held Kwara United to a goalless draw in Ilorin, Enugu Rangers defeated Sporting Lagos 2-0 with Austin Onyemaechi (10th Minute) and Kenechukwu Augustine Agu’s 89th minute goals accounting for the win.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated Shooting Stars 3-2 with Ifeanyi John Anaemena goals in the 46th and 57th minutes (penalty), as well as a Samson Obi’s 81st minute strike giving them the victory over the Ibadan