AKWA UNITED START NPFL TITLE DEFENCE WITH WIN OVER KANO PILLARS

Holders Akwa United started the defence of their Nigeria Professional Football League title with a comprehensive 3-0 home win against Kano Pillars in Uyo on Sunday. Winger Ezekiel Bassey scored the curtain raiser late in the first half after he was teed up by Stephen Chukwude. Ubong Friday set up Chukwude for the second goal in the 52nd minute. Friday added the third goal deep into stoppage time following an assist from John Lazarus.

In another encounter, the Rangers International of Enugu recorded a 2-1 away win against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Ossy Martins put the visitors ahead in the 13th minute, while Mustapha Salisu equalised for Katsina United in the 35th minute. Martins netted the winning goal nine minutes after the break.

Meanwhile, the angry fans of Katsina United on Sunday evening held Enugu Rangers team hostage after their was defeated, insisting that the Enugu-based club would not leave the stadium