NPFL21: 3 major takeaways from match day 1️⃣3️⃣

It was another entertaining weekend in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL as teams continued to battle for honours in the 2021 campaign. 

There were nine matches played across the country between Saturday and Sunday and we have summarised the whole action for you in three (3) major takeaways for your enjoyable pleasure. 

1. Kwara United Reclaim Top Spot 

The Harmony Boys are back at the top of the NPFL table after a disciplined performance earned them a 2-0 win over 10-man Warri Wolves in Ilorin. 

Jude Steven’s early strike put them 1-0 ahead before Michael Ohanu ensured all three points when he added a second nine minutes after the restart. 

Things got even worse for Wolves with six minutes left to play as they were reduced to ten men after Orukpe Innocent sent off as he picked up his second yellow of the game. 

The win means United return to winning ways, with all three points moving them back to the top of the table after former leaders, Kano Pillars slipped up in Uyo. 

2. Dakkada Complete Incredible Comeback

Akwa Ibom side, Dakkada pulled off the best comeback of the season so far after coming from two goals down to beat former leaders, Kano Pillars in Uyo. 

The hosts looked down and out after the opening half hour as goals from the veteran Rabiu Ali and Gerome Henchong handed Pillars a comfortable 2-0 lead. 

However, Christian Ekong ensured the second half was a blockbuster one when he pulled one back for Dakkada eight minutes after Henchong’s goal to make it 1-2 at the break. 

The second half started in flames as Dakkada equalised even before Pillars could touch the ball courtesy of Philip Archibong seconds after the restart. 

And with 14 minutes left to play, the home side completed the comeback as Isaac George put them ahead for the first time in the game when he netted their third of the evening.  

They held on for all three points, with Pillars leaving as they arrived – empty handed, which also cost them their place on the log after Kwara United leapfrogged them. 

3. Rivers United Continue Poor Run 

Well, it does seem the Pride of Rivers are falling rapidly as they started the season after making it back to back defeats in the NPFL21. 

United went, saw, but failed to conquer Akwa Ibom,  who were indeed a ‘bad’ host after a 3-0 thrashing handed to the Rivers side in Uyo. 

Mfon Udoh gave them a 1-0 lead at half time, before two more goals from  Asshimene Charles and Morice Chukwu sealed a comfortable win for the home side,  stretching their mini unbeaten run to three matches now. 

Akwa also move up to fifth on the log with 22 points, while Rivers United have dropped down four points behind on eighth, albeit with two games in hand. 

STATS From The Weekend 

• 9 matches played  
• 14 goals scored 
• Over 1.55 goals per game 
• 6 home wins
• 3 goalless draws 

Team Of The Week

Of course, you already know it na – Dakkada Fc.

Full Results

The Log