By Toby Prince
Action returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League with Week 29 matches played across the country on Sunday, September 13.
League leaders Enyimba endured a torrid evening against Dolphins of Port Harcourt, before substitutes Andrew Abalogu and Ifeanyi Anaemena came good for the Elephants of Aba, helping them to maintain their four-point lead at the summit of the log.
Abalogu stooped to head home a re-bound after Bernard Okorowanta’s shot was pushed on to the post by Dolphins’ goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi, in the 65th minute. The player also provided an assist, when his 73rd-minute free-kick was headed home by Anaemena.
Sunshine Stars of Akure lost further steam in their pursuit of the title when they stumbled 2-3 to Nasarawa United in Akure, to the shock of their fans.
The loss saw the Stars slip to fourth place behind Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists in second and third places respectively.
Kwara United’s hope of pulling off a surprise in Oghara suffered massive setback as Warri Wolves mauled them 3-0 to move into second place on the log – four points adrift of leaders, Enyimba. Kufre Ebong, Joseph Osadiaye and Stanley Dimgba provided the goals for the Niger-Delta side.
Sharks FC were heading for another goalless draw before Afeez Aremu’s 65th minute header made all the difference against visitors, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, to lift the hosts off relegation waters.
Rangers International and Shooting Stars re-ignited their long-standing rivalry in the ancient city of Enugu, but it was the host who came from behind to earn a remarkable 2-1 victory over their traditional rivals.
Coach Zakary Baraje heaved a huge sigh of relief when his side, Akwa United, sustained Ukeme Davies’ third-minute strike to beat Heartland of Owerri 1-0 in Uyo. The win takes them out of the drop zone and secured their first victory against the Naze Millionaires in a competitive match.
