Lobi Stars continued their impressive run in the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League season with a well deserved 3-0 thrashing of El-Kanemi Warriors at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi on Wednesday.
Lobi ended a nine-year wait for a victory over the Maiduguri side, thanks to a brace from Tony Okpotu and a goal Nanem Imenger.
The victory means the 2015 Federation Cup finalists with nine points – currently lead the standings after four games.
Just like Lobi, Mountain of Fire Ministries FC made it three wins out of four after claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
The Prayer Warriors, who are making their Premier League debut, made a huge impression by beating the Akure-based side to climb to second position on the log due to an inferior goal difference.
Musa Newman stunned his former side in the 25th minute to give MFM the lead before Sunshine levelled through Kadiri Saman.
Newman struck once again with just four minutes left to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.
In Uyo, Akwa United compounded the woes of Heartland by beating them 2-1.
Aniekan Ekpe bagged the opener in the 59th minute but the lead only lasted for a minute as Onyebuchi Ajunwa levelled scores for Heartland.
Kufre Ebong however scored the winner 10 minutes from time to send the Naze Millionaires who are still without a win this season back to Owerri empty handed.
Niger Tornadoes grabbed their first victory of the season in a 2-0 triumph over neighbours, Nasarawa United, at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.
Former Kwara United marksman, Ismaila Gata, scored a brace to hand the Minna outfit all three points at stake.
Coach of the side, Abdul Usman Biffo, was delighted to finally grab a win in what he termed a “hard-fought” one.
“Definitely, the hard-fought victory will go a long way to boost our confidence as a team going forward in other matches,” the former Giwa FC boss told SuperSport.
“After three matches without a win another poor result would have added intense pressure on the team.
“We will not stop at this crucial win, but take the winning mentality to Warri Wolves.
“Nasarawa United proved themselves as a continental side though they could have offered more challenges if they had time to train on return from Senegal.
“I’m happy with the performance of my wards; they played quite well and were clearly the better side on the day.”
A total of seven home victories were recorded with Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers the only away side to get a point in unfamiliar terrain.
NPFL matchday 4 results
Giwa FC 2-1 Rivers United
FC Ifeanyiubah 3-1 3SC
MFM FC 2-1 Sunshine Stars
Lobi Stars 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Akwa United 3-1 Heartland
Abia Warriors 0-0 Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourists 3-0 Plateau United
Warri Wolves 0-0 Enugu Rangers
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Nasarawa United
