NPFL: Alimi Scores 11th Goal In Remo Loss

Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi has moved one goal clear on top of the Nigeria Premier Football League scorers’ chart, scoring his 11th goal of the season in their 3-1 defeat against Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Thursday.

Alimi restored parity in the 69th-minute for the league leaders but the relegation-threatened hosts came up with two goals in stoppage time courtesy of Onyekachi Okafor and Chinedu Ike to end the game 3-1.

Alimi’s closest challenger for the Golden Boot, Robert Mizo, who has 10 goals, fired blanks as Bayelsa United lost 2-1 at home to champions Enyimba. Bayelsa’s only goal was scored by Israel Consul in between Ekene Awazie and Chijioke Mbaoma’s goal for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Plateau United’s Albert Hilary kept up the pace on the chart with his seventh goal of the season in their 1-0 win over Sporting Lagos at the New Jos Stadium. He scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

Abia Warriors’ Samson Obi also scored a brace while Paschal Nwabueze scored another one in their 3-1 win over Gombe United.

In other matches, Enugu Rangers marked their return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium by compounding 3SC’s problems with a 2-0 defeat, thanks to goals in either half from Kalu Nweke and Chiedozie Okorie. 3SC are now winless in six games.

Elsewhere, Rivers United were forced to a 1-1 draw by Bendel Insurance in Port Harcourt. Chisom Okereke put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute, before Nyima Nwagua levelled matters before halftime.Lobi Stars also kept up the pressure on leaders Remo Stars with a 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes, Kano Pillars beat Kwara United 2-1, while Akwa United continued to struggle, no thanks to a 1-0 defeat against Katsina United in Katsina.