As both teams settled into the game, 3SC had the first chance at goal, after  Opeoluwa Olufemi awkwardly missed the target, nodding the ball wide in the 7th minute.

Five minutes later, both teams should have scored. Shooting Stars had Udo who was in goal to thank after he made a reflex save from a screamer by a Gombe United attacking midfielder.

Samuel Ayankinde could have finished off inside the Gombe United box to put Shooting Stars ahead, but his delivery at goal was awkward.

Another real chance came begging for Gombe United to score the opening goal in the 22nd minute, but Shooting Stars had the woodwork to thank. Samaila Bello will rue his miss after he tried to chip the ball beyond Udo, but his effort was heavy as it hit the goalpost.

Ayankinde, then earn a reward for his hard work in the 29th minute, as he found Gombe United’s goal following a good exchange of passes in the buildup.

Shooting Stars were at the double in added time of 45 minutes, after Ayankinde got his brace with a right top corner delivery that made goalkeeper Abubakar helpless in goal.

The win had the Oluyole Warriors reclaim its top spot in Group B with 6 points and a plus five goals difference,  24 hours after Sporting Lagos had held on to it after they won their second Optima Energy Gold Cup game against Gombe United.

It was an inspiring showing from Sporting Lagos as they got a back-to-back win in the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup as they shocked Gombe United at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

A good performance from both teams in the opening 38 minutes, as they showed quality in depth but not much of a shot on target at both ends.

Two minutes later, the real chance came for Sporting Lagos and they made the better of it, after Okon Saturday powered his way past a Gombe United defender with his strength inside the box, to shoot the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Gombe United then resulted in high pressing as they searched for the equalising goal but Sporting Lagos were decent with their defending and not showing signs to let goal their lead.

The real chance to level the scoreline came for Gombe United from a set-piece close to the arch of Sporting Lagos box, but Sani’s effort from the well-taken free kick missed the target, to the relief of the Lagos-based team.

Sporting Lagos go top of Group B with the win with 6 points followed by Shooting Stars in the second spot with 3 points.

In the second Group A game, Sunshine Stars showed no mercy after they flogged Gateway United 3-1 to claim their first win in the Optima Energy Gold Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The Owena Waves who were forced to a one-all draw by defending champion Remo Stars took 10 minutes to get the first goal.

Alani Azeez took advantage of  Gateway United schoolboy defending to tap into the net.

Sunshine Stars then increased their tally in the 29th minute with the second goal after Sulaimon Mojereola fired a rocket-like shot on target after he beat the off-side flag. 

This forced Gateway United to immediately reshuffle its personnel by introducing Olajide and Olukoya, as they kept it decent to the end of the 1st half.

It was the Edith Agoye lads all the way and they got the third goal after a tactical exchange of passes at the by-line, Emeka Emmanuel then appeared inside the final third to bury the past the goalkeeper in the 84th minute.

Less than 60 seconds later, Solomon Alade with a sensational strike then reduce the deficit as he scored Gateway United’s first goal in the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Sunshine Stars who now have 4points, keep the chase on leaders Niger Tornadoes.

With six matches to end the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season, Alhaji Abubakar Abubakar (Dan Fulani) has assured that Gombe United will keep it’s top flight status.

The Savannah Scorpions has recorded an impressive run of form since Abubakar was named the General Manager, as they are seated 9th on the NPFL log with 44points from 32 matches, while Yusuff Abdulazeez chase the season top scorer’s award having scored 14 goals alongside Rivers United duo of Ishaq Kayode and Chijioke Akuneto.

A 10-man Gombe United did put up a good fight against Remo Stars in Ikenne, though suffered it’s 12th defeat of the season via a Sikiru Alimi’s goal in the 15th minute on Sunday.

After the game, Dan Fulani was full of optimism for the club who returned to the NPFL this season.

“No cause for alarm, as our objective after we secured promotion from the NNL Super 8 Play-Off in Enugu is to compete squarely with a view to keep our status in the top division,’ he said.

“That plan is very much on course as despite dropping a few points at home, we have also gained some on the road.

“I want to use this medium to thank HIS Excellence Governor Inuwa Yahaya (Dan-Maje Gombe 1st) for the prompt funding of Gombe United and for the confidence reposed in me to steer the affairs of the club as General Manager.

“Special thanks to the players, technical crew and backroom staff as they have been professional on and off the pitch.

“Not forgetting our fans who have been passionate with the team, supporting us at home and away from home.

“Further, I want to assure the good people of my state that come next season, we’ll work assiduously in making the Savannah Scorpions title contenders and Allah’s willing pick a continental ticket.”

Gombe United will hope to get back to winning mood as they will host Dakkada in a MatchDay 33 fixture at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

The quarter-final showdown of what could be termed Yhellow Football Fiesta (NPFL Laliga U-15 Promises Youth League), went down today at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, and the first match of the day was between Kano Pillars FC and Gombe United FC.

The end of the Ramadan fast ensured both teams played physical football unlike how they approached their previous games in the competition.

Pillars drew the first blood in the 20th minute through Imran Musa, who showed class with his pace and dribbling skills by taking on Gombe United centre backs to bury the ball in the net.

Idris Khamis doubled the lead for Kano Pillars U-15 side shortly after the restart having being located by a pass from Aliyu Auwal, after a few midfield interchanges.

The Gombe United U-15 side finally threw caution to the wind and went all out in a quest for a comeback but matters only got worse as the Kano lads took advantage of a fast break and increased the tally to three via a long range shot from Imran Musa.

Their relentless effort soon paid off, but it was a little too late as Abdullahi Bello’s 52nd minute strike and Miko Dalha stoppage time penalty only served as consolation.

In his post-match reaction, the coach of Kano Pillars U-15 side, Suleiman Aliyu said: “I am a little accomplished that the boys gave out their all in today’s game and I believe they would come all out to play in our next match because the Ramadan fast is over.

“I am sure the boys will consolidate on this victory in our next match; we will have a full complement of our team in all areas.”

The MFM FC vs Remo Stars game became the match of the day, as it stole the shine off the first match.

Both teams expressed themselves in all ramifications, especially in the midfield and the spectators who came never regretted they did, as the young lads entertained the crowd beyond expectations.

Peter Adejimi of Remo Stars fired his side into the lead in the 10th minute from a Promise Meliga’s assist, while Stanley Ohaemesi doubled the lead 8 minutes later via a goal mouth scramble.

Francis Ajibola of MFM FC pulled one back from the spot after being fouled in the penalty area by Nse Believe, but that wasn’t enough to bring them at par before the final whistle.

Remo Stars Director of Youth football, Tiago Conde, in his post match reaction stated that: “We came into the game with the right mentality and the boys gave a good account of themselves.

“We decided to infuse a few players into the game in the second half to correct a few mistakes, but it didn’t work out as planned.

Day two of the quarter-final parents will see katsina United playing against Wikki Tourists FC, while Sunshine Stars FC will square up against Shooting Stars Sports Club.

Enyimba produced another spectacular performance to liven hopes for their fans who have endured indifferent outings in the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Gombe United. 

The Aba based team started the game lively from the 3rd minute, as Sadiq Abubakar’s  pass found Victor Mbaoma close to the box, but the strikers effort was saved by Gombe Goalkeeper Kazeem Yekini.

Enyimba scored their first goal in the 6th minute when Yakubu Bilal found Obioma Chukwuemeka close to the opponents 18 yard box and the striker slotted home calmly.

Gombe however tried to respond early after conceding, as in the 11th minute, Somiala Bello had his cross from the right flank, shot off the bar, by Yusuf Abdulazeez.

Enyimba Victor Mbaoma scored his team’s second goal of the day in the 16th minute, after a fine interchange of passes between him and his strike partner, Emeka Obioma. It was his 11th goal of the season in the league for Enyimba.

Samuel Oyediji came close to getting a goal for Gombe United but his shot went inches wide in the 20th minute. 

Enyimba’s third goal arrived in the 29th minute after  Cyril Olisema benefited from a fine pass from Samuel Kalu and slotted past the Gombe Goalkeeper.

The visitors kept pushing for a goal as Abba Maigari had his chance in the 31st minute, but his long range shot was saved by Enyimba Goalkeeper John Noble as Enyimba took a 3 goal lead at half time.

The second half started with Gombe United seeking for a respite, but couldn’t score as Abba Maigari , Ahmed Jimoh and Yusuf Abdulazeez missed glaring chances in the 55th , 61st and 65th minute from giving themselves a consolation.

Enyimba almost got a fourth goal in the 70th minute, after Victor Mbaoma met Yakubu  Bilal’s cross, but his shot at goal inches wide.

Gombe United Substitute Christian Innocent came close in the 68th minute, but his effort went wide, while Ahmed Jimoh’s shot went over the bar from a good position in the 78th minute.

Gombe United kept pushing for a goal stronger  but failed to find a breakthrough again in the 80th minute.

Enyimba Coach Finidi George introduced Captain Austin Oladapo, Gabriel Orok and Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed for Samuel Kalu, Obioma Chukwuemeka and Godwin Emmanuel, as the home side searched for more goals.

Enyimba will be guests to Akwa United Fc, while Gombe Utd will host Sunshine Stars of Akure on matchday 27.

Speaking to www.nfpl.ng Enyimba coach Finidi George said his team played well especially in the first half.

“We had a good game today against Gombe United, especially in the first 45 minutes as we scored early goals before 30 minutes, it’s still work in progress as we seek to finish the season on a high note”

His opposite on the dugout, Aliyu Zubiaru blamed the defeat on his players loss of concentration.

“We lost to a better Enyimba team, as we couldn’t take the game to Enyimba, and conceded early goals which made it difficult to come back, but we will make amends in our next game at home”.

Man of the match: Cyril Olisema (Enyimba Fc)

It was a rain of goals and display of natural talent and soccer artistry as Remo Stars FC U-15 side put Abia Warriors FC U-15 to the sword, in Day 3 of the ongoing NPFL Laliga U-15 Premises Youth League.

The Junior Sky Blues raced into an early lead with two quick goals from Arierhi Kparoboa and Adejimi Peter, while entertaining the fans with their individual skills and team cohesion at the same time.

They put the game beyond the reach of the young Warriors with three second half goals from Promise Meliga, Peter Adejimi and Oreoluwa Agbenla.

Remo stars coach, Tiago Conde, while giving his post match reaction said; “The early goals we got in the match actually paved the way for us to do far better in the second half.

“Although after the first two goals, the boys lost focus for a while and then, the second half was far better and they got three goals, but above all, team work, consistency, determination and commitment is key; if we have all these in our team at any point in time during this competition, I am sure we would go far.”

In the second match of the day, goals from Kolawole Olalekan, Mahmud Balogun and Olatunji Yusuf ensure that Gombe United U-15 side fell to the fire power of Kwara United U-15. However, the North Eastern team didn’t go down without a fight, as a consolatory goal from Miko Dalhat saw the scoreline at 3-1 after the final whistle.

In his post match reaction, the coach of Kwara United, Mukaila Ayala maintained that his side has greatly improved compared to how they played in the last edition in Enugu.

“I am happy with the way we played; the team has improved tremendously compared to how we played in the last edition. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t utilize anyone of them, but this time around, it is a different ball game, as we were able to utilize three of our chances in the first half.”

The final match of the day saw team Rangers Int’l beat Sunshine Stars 2-1, with goals from Salami Taiwo and Sunday Oreoluwa, while Adeyemi Ola got the only goal for the young Gunners of Akure.

With title-chasing Rivers United and Plateau United not in action until Thursday, the spotlight shifted to the downside of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings where several teams continued the fight for another stint in the elite division.

Katsina United, on19th position before the start of Matchday 24 actions, shrugged off a stubborn Shooting Stars to record a 3-1 win that helps their fight to avoid relegation this season. Madaki Alkali Dauda had opened the scoring for Katsina United in the 34th minute, but Sochima Elum restored parity after he met a loose ball with a sweet strike in the 53rd minute. However, the Chanji Boys regained their lead after Dauda converted a 59th-minute penalty kick while Aliyu Musa’s goal in the 91st minute secured a vital win that lifts the hosts to the 17th spot.
In Makurdi, Endurance Ebedebiri put Lobi Stars ahead against Gombe United on the stroke of half time while Chinonso Okonkwo doubled the lead from the penalty spot on the hour mark. AlAmeen AlAmeen came off the bench to half the deficit for the visitors in the 76th minute but Lobi Stars held on for their first win in four games, and a climb to the 16th position.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars turned out in style to grab their first ever win over Dakkada in the NPFL. Following a 33rd-minute opener from Tolulope Ojo, the visitors gave a scare by drawing level through Dan Etido’s effort six minutes later. However, the Sky Blue Stars showed class in the second half as goals from Qudus Akanni, Andy Okpe, and Sikiru Alimi earned the hosts a 4-1 win and another charge on a qualification for a CAF spot next season.

Kwara United’s up and down form continued as Abia Warriors forced a 1-1 draw in Ilorin. Samuel Tiza had broken the deadlock few seconds before the half time, but Valentine Odoh’s goal, ten minutes into the second half, earned the visitors their fifth away point of the season.
The push of Rangers Internationals for a continental tournament next season was dented by a 2-1 defeat against Niger Tornadoes. Goals by Segun Alebiosu and Musa Wakili in the 33rd and 82nd minutes respectively sandwiched Kenechukwu Agu’s equalizer on the hour mark.
The remaining five fixtures for Matchday 24 will hold across different centres on Thursday.

NPFL Matchday24 Results (Wednesday)
Lobi Stars 2-1 Gombe United
Katsina United 3-1 Shooting Stars
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Kwara United 1-1 Abia Warriors
Remo Stars 4-1 Dakkada FC

Thursday’s fixtures
Sunshine Stars vs Rivers United
Akwa United vs Nasarawa United
MFM FC vs Wikki Tourists
Heartland FC vs Plateau United
Enyimba International vs Kano Pillars

Gombe United recorded a remarkable three points with after spanking Aklosendi International Fc 4-1 in the week (3) fixture of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL)played at the Lafia Township stadium.

Sani Shehu opened the the floodgate just a minute from the kick off when Muazu Taiwo set up Sani Shehu who beat the defense line from a tight corner inside the box before smashing the ball inside the net.

The first stanza ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors who enjoyed bulk of possession and missing pockets of goal chances.

The Savannah Scorpions returned to the pitch more rejuvenated as they continued from where they stopped, firing missiles from all angles and their efforts paid off as Baranabas Daniel followed up and scored from Ahmed Family’s long clearance from the back in the fifty two minutes of play.

Six minutes later,It was in-form Baranabas who notched his second goal of the game and third from three matches, before substitute Sadiq Shuaibu put the game beyond the game of the hosts as he bundled in Muhammad Hussaini’s pass in the 72′.

The hosts tried a fruitless efforts to make a come back after Ali Baba pulled one back in the eighty two minutes

Gombe United gaffer Aliyu Zubairu reacted after the match.

On the victory…

“Kudos to the match officials for officiating the game without fear or favour, i think this is good for the most important league”.

On why he looked worried…

” I don’t want my boys to repeat the mistake they did in Kwara leading by two goals before losing 3-2 and in Kahutu against Rarara leading by two goals before they equalised, it is complicency that always get them carried away”.

Aklosendi International Fc coach Adams Usman
On how he feels…

” I’m not happy first home match losing 4-1 is a bashing; I know the caliber of players I brought, partially i can say Gombe United is a household club and their experience helped them.

Gombe United will not be in action for the match day four fixtures scheduled for Wednesday 3/3/21 as they are on bye.

They will welcome Green Berets Fc on Saturday 6/3/21 at the Pantami stadium for the week five encounter.

Unused Substitutes:

Kazeem Yekini – 1(GK)
Maurice Chigozie – 4
Alhassan Yusuf – 16
Abubakar Yagiɗe -11
Muhammad Isah – 33

Halilu Mohammed Teli
Media Officer

Both teams tried to outwit themselves while trying to take their chances during the game.

Bare City had the better of the early incursions as they dominated play in the opening 20 minutes missing several scoring chances. They were eventually punished for their profligacy.

Striker Doslam Dawi was star man of the game as his goalscoring skills was a delight to close to 3000 fans that watched the epic final.

Balanga United in the second half, dominated play and deservedly scored through Dawi’s brace.

The end result saw the Balanga United team winning the match 2-0, then claiming the trophy of the 5th edition of the Adamu Yola Cup.

Meanwhile, in the third place, All Stars walloped Balanga LGA 7-0.

For winning the tournament, Balanga United were rewarded with the sum of Four hundred and fifty thousand naira (N450,000). Second placed team Bare City got Three hundred thousand naira (N300,000), while third placed All Stars received One hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150,000).

Bute, Dawi sweep Adamu Yola Cup individual awards

The duo of All Stars and Balanga United strikers, Michael Bute and Boslam Dawi bagged individual awards at the 5th edition of the Adamu Yola Cup held in Gombe South.

Bare City lost the final of the Adamu Yola Cup 2-0 to Balanga United at Billiri Township Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Bute and Dawi swept the players’ award in different categories after their impressive performances at the just concluded event.

Michael Bute who played a vital role for his team scored four goals and created two assists. That performance won the tourney’s top scorer gong.

Boslam Dawi’s superb form upfront for Balanga United played a major part for his team’s quest to winning the 65-team grassroots competition.

The striker was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament ahead of Bute and Bare City’s Jacob John.