Ossy Martins’ first half hat-trick ensured a goal-fest at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu on Saturday evening as homers Rangers International recorded a thrilling 5-3 victory over visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi to make it five games unbeaten for the Flying Antelopes who now sit third in the league table.
Martins began the rout with a penalty goal in the 8th minute before grabbing further goals in the 22nd and 45th minutes which helped Rangers go into the interval with a three-goal lead. Another quick goal by Chidiebere Nwobodo two minutes after the restart made a bad case worse but Lobi began a pushback with Raphael Ayagwa’s penalty in the 57th minute followed by another goal from Joshua Akhabue nine minutes later.
Kenechukwu Agu doused any hopes of a fightback by scoring a fifth goal for Rangers in the 79th minute and even though Douglas Achiv registered a third goal two minutes later, it was not enough for Lobi to take anything away from the Soccer Cathedral.
In neighbouring Abia, the Warriors could only force a share of the spoils in their 2-2 draw with Katsina United. Odoh Valentine(24th) and Godwin Obaje (35th) twice pulled back after Katsina had gone ahead through Musa Salisu (12th) and Waheed Adebayo (29th).
MFM recorded an impressive 0-0 draw at Heartland as they begin a hard fight against relegation while Dakkada edged Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in Uyo. Edidiong Enobong put the home team ahead as early as the 2nd minute and Sunday Akinmoladun’s own goal made it two on 15th minute but Mohammed Rabiu reduced the tally with a penalty two minutes from final whistle.
On Sunday, leaders Rivers United will host Akwa United in a titanic battle while second-placed Plateau United continue their mazy run as they face Sunshine Stars of Akure.
In other games, Enyimba’s embattled coach Finidi George will travel with his wards to face Wikki Tourists and Kano Pillars will be home to Gombe United. Remo Stars versus Kwara United will round off the Matchday 19 games.
