There was an apparent shortage of goals in most of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 9 matches played yesterday as home teams only managed to secure slim victories against their opponents.

There were victories for Enyimba, 3SC, Gombe United, Akwa United and Rivers United while Sporting Lagos, Bayelsa United and Enugu Rangers drew against Heartland, Sunshine Stars and Katsina United respectively.

At the Aba Township Stadium, reigning champions, Enyimba left it late to beat Lobi Stars 1-0 for their third win of the current campaign.

Although the match was heading for a barren draw, Alalibo Somiari Orinate, popped up with the match winner in the 88th minute to break the hearts of the visitors who instantly dropped to the second position on the table.

Doma United who had picked a slim 1-0 victory over Plateau on United on Saturday now occupy the top position on superior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Akwa United recorded only their second win of the season after a hard fought 3-2 victory over Remo Stars. In-form striker, Sikiru Alimi had put the visitors in front in the 15th minute before Oluwadamilare Moses Ojo drew his side level in the 23rd minute.

Three minutes later, Akwa United doubled their lead through Uche Collins for the first half to end 2-1.

On resumption, the hosts added another goal in the 62nd minute before Aniekeme Okon reduced the deficit for Remo Stars in the 78th minute.

In Port-Harcourt, Rivers United pile more misery on neighbours Abia Warriors with a 2-1 victory. Youngster Alex Oyowah opened the scoring for Rivers United from the spot in the 39th minute before Ifeanyi John Anaemena scored an own goal in the 82nd minute. However, four minutes later, Anaemena redeemed his image from the penalty spot to make it 2-1.

At the Pantami Stadium, Gombe United returned to winning ways with a slim 1-0 win against Tornadoes after former Lobi Stars man, Abba Umar, scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute.

In Lagos, Sporting fought back to draw 1-1 with Heartland, Sunshine Stars also forced Bayelsa United to a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa while high-riding Enugu Rangers shared the spoils with Katsina United in a barren that saw close to 20 minutes of second half added minutes. (Daily Trust)

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