Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu yesterday got the worst possible result in his first competitive game as Heartland of Owerri manager when his former wards, MFM of Lagos, beat his team 1-0 at home.
The complexion of the game played in OKigwe changed completely in the 39th minute when Clement Ogwu scored to hand the Olukoya Boys, now under Coach Tony Bolous, the lead.
Ilechukwu managed MFM for 13 years, leading them to the continent for the first time in their history just two years after gaining promotion to the elite league.
But his new club left their hopeful fans in agony yesterday as the Lagos boys danced around the pitch in jubilation after the game.
In Jos, Plateau United, with many new players, hit Lobi Stars 3-1.
The 2016 champions opened scores in the 12th minute through Nerot Silas before Solomon Kwambe scored an own goal to double the advantage for Plateau United.
Sikiru Alimi reduced the tally for Lobi Stars in the 30 minutes through the penalty spot to end the first half 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
Amos Gyang took the game beyond the Gbenga Ogunbote led Lobi Stars in the second half to push Plateau United to the summit of the table in the opening week.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors clinched the three points thanks to Jimoh Oni’s double strike against Katsina United.
Oni struck first in the eighth minute when he drilled a free kick from 20 yards beyond Mustapha Aliko and followed up two minutes into the second half with another goal off a Phillip Auta’s through the pass.
The home side handed debut to Camerounian, Parfait Jean in defence, and settled for a 4-4-2 formation, with Oni and Atilola Tunde leading the charge.
There were stalemates in Asaba and Kano, where Delta Force played a 1-1 draw against Akwa Starlets, and Pillars settled for a goalless ending with Rivers United.
Akwa Starlets took the lead in Asaba through Isaac George with an assist from Ifeanyi Ojukwu on the 50th minute while Bala Yahuza leveled up for the homers from Kazie Eyinnayah’s low cross on goal mouth on the 78th.
