10 things learnt from NPFL matchday 25

(1) ODEY CHASES UDOH’S RECORD
MFM’s Stephen Odey scored his 15th goal of the season in the 1-3 loss to Pillars to remain eight goals shy of Mfon Udoh’s all-time record of goals scored in a season. A combination of national assignments and fitness issues have contrived as he recorded a goal drought in recent weeks. But has he lost grounds on catching up with or eclipsing Udoh’s record? Time will tell.

(2) ‘MUAZZAM’ ADDS SPOT KICK TO HIS TALLY
Alhassan ‘Muazzam’ Ibrahim converted a penalty in Akwa United’s 2-0 victory over Katsina United. This brings his season’s tally to 11. Hitherto, all his 10 goals had been from open play. He might have taken up Akwa’s penalty responsibilities to catch up with Odey who has scored five times from the spot this season. Like Odey, he has been away on national duties.

(3) RANGERS FINDING FERTILE GROUNDS ON PERCEIVED ‘DIFFICULT’ GROUNDS
Since losing 0-4 to Abia Warriors, Rangers seems to have turned the corner and has now gotten away draws on grounds most away teams lost. First the Flying Antelopes were forced to a 1-1 draw by El-Kanemi in Maiduguri. And on Matchday 25, earned a 0-0 draw away to Tornadoes. Now, that’s some champion stuff.

(4) ITODO AGAIN! AS ASIEGBU SPOILS BOBOYE’S RETURN
One can’t stop talking about Daniel Itodo’s throw-ins. Once again, his throw produced a goal off Hamzat Owolabi in Plateau United’s 1-2 loss to Abia Warriors in Umuahia. Now, this is becoming serious. That goal should have secured another precious away point for Plateau till Shedrack Asiegbu converted a stoppage time penalty for the hosts. That was Plateau United coach, Kennedy Boboye’s return to his former club. Midfield craftsman, Asiegbu’s brace spoilt the party.

(5) THE ‘FORTRESS’ BREACHED AS NWABULU SHOWS CLASS
FC Ifeanyiubah International Stadium, Nnewi is nicknamed ‘the fortress’ by FC Ifeanyiubah faithful. Against the odds, Wikki Tourists ensured the hosts didn’t pocket all three points. Wikki keeper, Emeka Nwabulu showed why he is rated among the best in the domestic scene standing between the hosts and victory. We are used to seeing him in this form.

(6) SUNSHINE STARS FIND HOME IN IJEBU-ODE
Sunshine Stars were banished to Ijebu-Ode and would still play behind closed doors. They began life in their new home with a 2-1 victory over Gombe United. It will be recalled that few years ago while the Akure Stadium was being renovated, Sunshine Stars played their home games in Ijebu-Ode. They seemed very much at home there.

(7) EL-KANEMI’S CONTINENTAL BOOST… RELEGATION WOES
In Maiduguri, it was a case of one man’s meat being another’s poison. El-Kanemi defeated Remo Stars 2-0 to move to third and boost chances of securing one of the continental slots. On the contrary, Remo sunk into bottom of the table as their relegation woes deepen. If Remo ever needed a lifeline, this venue wasn’t the most likely, though.

(8) SHOOTING STARS SHOOT TO SURVIVE
This season’s relegation battle is primed to be one of the fiercest in recent times. As many as eight to nine teams are endangered at the moment. Shooting Stars and ABS slugged it out in Ibadan. Even ABS aren’t safe. Shooting Stars edged Saraki’s Boys 2-0 to enhance chances of survival. They are 18th on the log.

(9) RIVERS UNITED’S TIMIDITY ON AWAY SOIL
Rivers United’s poor away form is well documented. Perhaps, they need to show more ambition and self belief to get results away from home. Against Lobi Stars, they didn’t bother to threaten the hosts. A greater part of the game was played in United’s half and there wasn’t any plan to catch Lobi napping on the counter. Lobi’s fragile defence is its weak link, but the visitors never bothered to exploit the weakness. The only moment they ventured forward, Bernard Ovoke teed up John Odumegwu in the 62nd minute but Okiemute Odah came out early, thrust out a feet and denied Odumegwu’s effort. If only United had pushed a little harder. They survived for 86 minutes but it was only a matter of time. The pressure was so much on them and they suddenly caved in as Nanem Barnabas Imenger struck late to nick it for the hosts.

(10) NASARAWA UNITED JOLT ENYIMBA
There seems to be a renewed enthusiasm in Enyimba camp of a return to the continent. They went to Lafia expectant of a good result to further enhance their chances. Incidentally, it was former Enyimba striker, Abdulrahman Bashir’s strike that gave Nasarawa United the edge and jolted Enyimba’s ambitions. Enyimba slipped to 7th on the log just a spot ahead of Nasarawa.