NPFL REVIEW:Pulse's Team of the Week [Matchday 3]

It was an underperforming week by all standards in the Nigeria Professional Football League on matchday three.

Just 11goals were scored in ten games and it is the first time this season the tally has been short of the 15-goal mark. 

Nevertheless, a few players stood out for their respective sides and here's my NPFL team of the week for the matchday.

Ibrahim Pius [Abia Warriors]

The veteran goalkeeper rolled back the years in Ilorin as he made some outstanding saves to deny the hosts in crucial moments of the game. His displays helped Imama Amapakabo’s side claim a point on the road.

Defenders

Temple Emekayi [Rivers United]

The skipper was immense at the back for the Pride of Rivers in Aba. His timely interventions and blocks came to good use as they managed to beat Enyimba.

Ugochukwu Gabriel [Nasarawa United]

Gabriel was unfazed by the physique of Andy Okpe as he dealt with the forward expertly. He marshalled the back-line to good measure with the Solid Miners leaving Ikenne with a point and a clean sheet.

Adikwu Moses [MFM]

Excellent defensive display from the centre back. He was key to his side's stability at the back, which formed the foundation for the first win of the campaign.

Roland Precious [MFM]

He scored the match-winning goal and was involved in his side's build up throughout the game. A typical MOTM performance.

Akilu Mohammed [3SC]

Quite unfortunate to see his side lose in Makurdi, but Mohammed gave a good account of himself. He finished expertly in the area to score his side's first away goal of the campaign.

Yakub Hammed [Abia Warriors]

The left footed midfielder powered home a leveler from outside the area for his side in Ilorin and he was quite decisive in and out of possession.

Adams Olamilekan [Lobi Stars]

The winger had a hand in both goals to lead his side to a comeback win. He scored the equalizer at first before turning his marker to set up the winner.

Ishaq Rafiu [Rivers United]

A match-winner for Stanley Eguma's side in Aba. He was his usual self in a what was a collective performance by the Pride of Rivers.

Forwards

Ifeanyi Ogba [Lobi Stars]

Ogba scored the winner in his side’s comeback 2-1 win over Shooting Stars. He also combined excellently with other forwards and midfielders to create goal scoring chances.

 Abba Umar [Katsina United]

The former Plateau United forward took his goal brilliantly to lead his side to a win over Kano Pillars for the first time in seven league meetings.

Stanley Eguma [Rivers United]

The longest-serving manager in the NPFL led his side to a first win in Aba since 2004. With seven points from three games, they look on course for a title challenge. 

Tobi Adepoju Samuel is a Nigerian football writer. He is an ex-member of the NFF Committee and also the former Media officer of the Future Eagles.