The first fixture of the new Nigerian Professional Football League 2016 season took place at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday, 20th February, 2016. The Plateau based team; Plateau United hosted Niger Tornadoes in a match that both teams were welcomed back to NPFL. Plateau United return to the NPFL for the first time in five (5) years, while Niger Tornadoes make a comeback after four (4) years of being absent in the Nigerian most famous league competition.
The following players were featured in the opening match of the NPFL season:
Plateau United Line-up
Innocent Ndem (1), Charles Okafor (5), Daniel Itodo (3), Lankat Isah (30), Hamish Saleh (31), Wash Bitrus (34), Reuben Bala (19), Daddy Maurice (13), Kim John (35), Ibeh Johnson (27), I. Sunday (26). Subs: Okam Okuji (16), Golbe Elisha (6), John Yampe (29), Julius Nuhu (7), Mumini Haruna (23), Odate Emmanuel (28), Shehu Sabole (8).
Niger Tornadoes Line-up
Mustapha Salihu (30), Lanre Feriyaro (2), Gabriel Wassa (17), Kingsley Salami (4), Omolayo Ibrahim (28), Adebayo Abiodun (6), Kunle Issa (38), Inamoto Godwin (39), Lukman Mohammed (20), Bolaji Adeyemi (8), Umar Abubakar (32). Subs: Omoregie Nobas (1), Samuel Tswanya (2), Chinedu Nwaze (5), Tasiu Lawal (7), Kayode Agboola (11), Wilfred Ammeh (22), Ilyasu Isyaku (13).
Jelili Ogunmuyiwa was the referee for the match. Tope Orowole and D. Tejiri were the assistant referees, while Emma Jerry was the fourth official.
The opening game got underway with both team gingering for an early goal. Both sides dominated the first 16 minutes of the encounter.
Plateau United broke the deadlock in the 17th minute of the match through Charles Okafor’s header from Reuben Bala’s corner kick.
Niger Tornadoes responded well by launching series of attacks for an equalizer, but the attacking force of Lukman and Wilfred were not enough to have produced a goal for the visitors in the first half of the game.
The home team went into the break with a 1 – 0 lead, as both teams shared the same ball possession (50% to 50%).
On the resumption of the second half of the match, Niger Tornadoes almost levelled the score but the resilience of the Plateau United defence made it difficult for the visitors to level matters.
Kunle Issa got the equalizer for Niger Tornadoes in the 64th minute and the scores levelled at 1 – 1.
Plateau United reclaimed their one-goal lead in the 87th minute when Reuben Bala’s corner kick was tapped by Ibeh Johnson after a goalmouth scramble. This was enough for the homes team to take their first 3 points in NPFL after 5 years. The match ended 2 – 1 in favour of Plateau United.
The results for other fixtures of Week 1 in NPFL 2016 season played on Sunday, 21st February, 2016 are given below:
Sunshine Stars 1 – 1 Akwa United {Scorers: Sunshine – Okiki Afolabi (12); Akwa United – Friday Ubong (24)}
Giwa FC 0 – 1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah {Scorer: Seka Pascal}
Nasarawa United 1 – 2 MFM FC {Scorers: Nasarawa United – Ifeanyi Nweke (75); MFM – Chukwuka Emmanuel (35), Newman Musa (18)}
Rivers United 1 – 0 Enyimba {Scorer: Frederick Obomate (65)}
Shooting Stars (3SC) 0 – 1 Lobi Stars {Scorer: Kingsley Eduwo(15)}
Ikorodu United 1 – 1 Abia Warriors {Scores: Ikorodu United – Agbane(49); Abia Warriors – Ndifreke Effiong}
El-kanemi Warriors 0 – 1 Wikki Tourists {Scorer: Godwin Obaje (70)}
Heartland 0 – 0 Warri Wolves
Kano Pillars 2 – 1 Rangers {Scorers: Kano Pillar – Prince Aggreh (90+3), Gambo Mohammed (78). Rangers – Chiamaka Madu (50)}
A total of 17 goals were scored in match day 1 fixtures of the new NPFL 2016 season, and a red card was awarded to Godspower Igudia of Akwa United in the 65th minute.
Joseph Etim
Joseph Etim (B. Tech) is a blogger, mobile web developer and a tutor with a zeal for positive effects.
Website: Pepetimsblog
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