Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, on Sunday, saw off visiting Kwara United FC of Ilorin in a Match Day 13 fixture which ended 1-0 after three players were sent off.
The match played at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure was goalless after the first 45 minutes of the encounter, with Sunshine Stars dominating proceedings.
But, two minutes into the second half, Andrew Ikefe of Kwara United and Ajibola Otegbeye of Sunshine Stars were sent off by the referee.
However, against the run of play, the home team broke the deadlock through Michael Egbeta, as he connected well with Tunde Adeniji’s low cross inside the area.
Sunshine Stars’ skipper, Abe Sunday, was later sent off after a second bookable offence, following a first yellow card in the first half.
Abubakar Bala, Kwara United’s Head Coach, in his post-match interview, said he was disappointed his plans to get the maximum points did not materialise.
He said his team played very well, and hailed the match officials for a good officiating.
“It was a good game, in spite of the fact that we didn’t get a point here. Our plan was to come here and get a point.
“The boys played very well, but the only problem we have from the beginning of the match was that we didn’t make use of our chances.
“At times like these when you play like that and lose your chances, you pay for it.
“It was a fair officiating. I believe all the cards issued were worth it. We must talk to our players to be very very disciplined.
“Our target from the beginning of the season was the ticket to play on the continent next season, and by the grace of God we will work towards achieving it,” the coach said.
However, Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kabiru Dogo, congratulated his players for lifting off the burden of not winning in their last two home matches.
Dogo noted that the technical changes made during the match also helped the team to get the maximum three points.
“I have to first congratulate my side for winning this game. In the last three matches we have not been getting any good result .
“But today, my team played well. So, I have to appreciate the boys and the management for the support.
“This is what I want from the Ondo State people they should come together and fight for the interest of Sunshine Stars, not to be fighting themselves.
“Also, the tactical changes we made helped a lot. When you are in such a situation, you don’t have to rush anything. We calmed down so that we can see the changes we needed to make,” he said.
Lagos-based MFM Football Club, on Sunday, rallied back for a 1-1 draw to preserve their unbeaten home record against visiting Enyimba International FC.
The Match Day 13 fixture at the Agege Stadium saw the Aba-based Enyimba opening scores through Bashir Abdulrahman in the 49th minute.
The Olukoya boys, however, responded almost immediately, through a brilliant strike from Chijioke Akuneto in the 56th minut.
The home team later claimed they were denied two penalty kicks, in the first half and the last minute of the game.
MFM FC’s coach Fidelis Ilechukwu urged the League Management Company (LMC) to take action against the match officials.
“To me, this is unexpected in the league. Enyimba International FC should stop complaining about other clubs. That is how they complained in Benin (against Bendel Insurance FC) and they have been complaining about the NPFL.
“Enyimba are guilty of what they are complaining about, regarding other clubs. I will want LMC to look into this because we had two clear-cut penalty kicks which were denied us.
“After so much hardwork, it is painful. Maybe, we don’t always want to talk, but this match makes me sad. This type of officiating is not the first, second or third time.
“It is not our own failure that we did not beat them, but a failure on their part. Enyimba should have opened up the game so that we can have a good game,” he said.
Gombe United Football Club defeated visiting Yobe Desert Stars FC of Damaturu 1-0 in Gombe.
The hosts secured the lone goal in the 16th minute through Success Emmanuel.
The win is Gombe United’s first in their last six games, after they drew three matches and lost two.
In a post-match briefing, coach Ladan Bosso of Gombe United FC said the jinx had been broken.
Bosso added: “After three home matches without a win, today we have got a good result.
“The match was a good one but we didn’t play well compared to the other matches, yet this is the day we got the result. Sometimes you play ugly and win.
“We were determined and that’s why we were able to defend the goal.”
On the officiating, he said: “It was open and fair. If we had got this kind of officiating in Damaturu against the Yobe Stars, we would have won.”
On his part, Taiye Yusuf, the Technical Adviser of Yobe Desert Stars, declined comments when approached by newsmen.
Gombe United, prior to this match, had 11 points from 12 matches while Yobe Desert Stars secured 10 points from 12 matches.
Gombe United’s next opponent will be Akwa United of Uyo on April 7.
Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin recorded their third win in the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by beating visiting Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi 2-0.
Junior Osaghae’s 68th minute goal and Adimorama Eze’s 77th minute goal gave the hosts victory in the Group A Match Day 13 fixture played at the University of Benin Sports Complex.
Speaking after the match, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Baldwin Bazuaye, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, saying it was a good win for them.
Bazuaye said his players performed according to instructions, adding that “it was a very good game that ended in our favour.”
He was optimistic that his players would do better in the second half of the league.
Bazuaye noted that his players were gradually adapting to his style of play.
“However, some mistakes have been observed, and they need to be taken care of during our trainings,” he said.
