NPL OPENER: ENYIMBA'S MADUABUCHI SCORES FASTEST GOAL

By NBF News

The Nigeria Premier League got off to a flying start yesterday in nine centres with all the home teams, except Rangers, Rising Stars and Kwara United, winning their matches. But it was Gombe United striker, Sanusi Sani that grabbed the major headlines with his brace in the Jewel in the Savannah sideís 2-0 victory over Lobi Stars just as Enyimba's Josiah Maduabuchi scored the fastest goal in the Peoples Elephantís 2-0 over ABS of Ilorin in Aba.

Sani scored his brace in the 42nd and 80th minutes in a game that saw Lobi Starsí Tony Okpotu get the marching order. In Aba, Maduabuchi scored Enyimbaís first goal in just the second minute to record the first and fastest goal of the season while Uzube Anazemba doubles the lead for the homers in the 35th minute.

Shooting Starsí fans were reduced to the edge of their seats for the greater part of their game with Sharks as the visitors scored first through Bright Ejike and led until the 73rd minute when Olamakinde Talabi leveled scores before Osaguona Ighodaro scored the winner six minutes before regulation time.

Defending champions, Dolphins needed an 85th minute goal through Adamu Mohammed to defeat last season's rival, Sunshine Stars at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt while Victor Yakubuís 24th minute goal was enough for Wikki Tourists to secure the maximum points against Heartland at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi. Nasifi Armaniís 61st minute goal ensured Pillars defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Kano.

The battle of new comers in Ijebu-Ode between Rising Stars and Awka United ended goalless. Rangers also found it difficult to pick the maximum points over Warri Wolves in Enugu while Ocean Boys escaped with a point in Ilorin after their match ended goalless.