Aggreh’s hat-trick lifts Sunshine

Prince Aggreh
|Prince Aggreh was the star of the weekend as his hat-trick guided Sunshine Stars back to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League in a 4-0 victory over visiting Giwa FC. The Week 23 game was played in Akure on Sunday.

Aggreh grabbed the goals in the 50th and 90th minutes to give the Akure Gunners the three points to depose Week 22 leaders, Enyimba, who had earlier faltered to a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United on Saturday.

Sunshine, who played a goalless draw against IfeanyiUbah last week, dominated play in the match. They showed their intention from the beginning of the match as they attacked their opponents relentlessly. Tunde Adeniji, who had been starting alongside Aggreh was replaced with Dayo Ojo in the starting line-up. The pairing attacked the Giwa defence, calling goalkeeper Ojo Olorundare to action but the first half ended goalless.

The second half saw more intent from both sides but the hosts had the upper hand and Aggreh broke the deadlock in the 50th minute before Stephen Eze scored the second in the 72nd minute.

Aggreh got his second and third goals in the 90th minutes to ensure the points for Sunshine with no response from Giwa. Giwa, with the loss, are seventh with 35 points.

Meanwhile, champions, Kano Pillars, got a 4-1 win over Shooting Stars. Goals from Adamu Mohammed, Rabiu Ali, Ubong Ekpai and Peter Edjomarigwe with a consolation from Ibrahim Ajani ensured Pillars are fifth in the log while 3SC are 11th.

Pillars manager, Babaganaru Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria that he was impressed with the performance of his team so far in the league.

He said, “I am very happy with the result so far. We will continue to work hard to win our next game against Enyimba. I am optimistic that the commitment from my team will see us through this season.”

Also, Dolphins continued their poor run of form on Sunday after they slumped to a 1-0 loss to Warri Wolves in Warri. A 58th minute header from Azubuike Egwuekwe gave Wolves the win, which kept them third in the log.

The Port Harcourt side and their neighbours, Sharks, who also lost 3-1 to Akwa United on Sunday, are going through tough times in the league as they occupy the 17th and 18th spots with only a point separating them.

In other results, IfeanyiUbah and Wikki Tourists got the week’s away wins with a 3-2 win over Rangers in Enugu and Kwara United in Ilorin respectively.

Lobi Stars beat FC Taraba 2-1, while Nasarawa United beat Heartland 2-0.