Akwa United and Lobi Stars of Makurdi earned victories in their respective matches in Group B of the Naija Super 8 tournament.
The Promise Keepers kicked off proceedings with a 2-1 victory over Yobe Desert Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Saturday.
United raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Chukwuebuka Anthony in the 35th minute and a beautiful curler by Cyril Olisema in the 42nd minute.
Olisema failed to extend the team’s lead from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute, when his kick was saved by Isah Ismail, Yobe Stars goalkeeper.
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Two minutes later, Emmanuel James scored for Desert Stars, halving the deficit with a long-range free kick.
However, United held on through the pressure to claim the three points.
Later in the day, Lobi Stars defeated Rivers United 2-1 in an all-Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter that sparkled with end-to-end actions.
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Despite Stars’ domination in the game’s early stages, United drew the first blood through a deflected shot by Albert Korvah in the 31st minute.
The Markurdi-based team would not reply until deep in the second half when Okoromi David equalised.
Stars then completed the comeback with a late winner in the 97th minute following a howler by Sochima Victor, United goalkeeper, which gifted Chibuike Charles a tap-in from a yard out.
Lobi Stars and Akwa United go top of Group B on the same points and goal difference.
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TheCable had reported that Remo Stars defeated Enyimba in the competition opener on Friday.
The Naija Super 8 is an off-season football competition, and the winner will go home with N25 million.
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