NPFL: Team of the Week [Matchday 2]

The matchday two action of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/22 season lived up to its billing on Boxing Day.

Newly Promoted Remo Stars defeated Heartland 3-0 in Ikenne, Enyimba won a second successive Oriental derby with a 1-0 win against Enugu Rangers in Nnewi and a late goal by Ayo Adejubu denied Akwa United all three points in Ibadan.

Meanwhile, Dakkada beat MFM 2-0 to record their first ever top-flight win against the Church boys, while Kano Pillars couldn't find a way past Lobi Stars in Kaduna.

Here's my NPFL team of the week for match day two.

Onyeka Onyia (Lobi Stars)

The goalie and his team left Kaduna with one point and a clean sheet. He wasn't tested several times though, but his saves in some moments ensured Eddy Dombraye's side earn a point on the road.

Abubakar Abdullahi (Nasarawa United)

The marauding right back scored the equalizer last weekend in Owerri and capped off yet another commanding performance with a goal in front of the home fans this match day.

Nduka Junior (Remo Stars)

Captain Junior gave a solid performance at the back for the Sky Blue Stars in Ikenne. Quite commanding in his duels and his excellent communication helped Gbenga Ogunbote side out of difficult moments at times.

Abiodun Adeleke (Enyimba)

The former Abia Warriors man was key in defence during the Oriental derby for Finidi George's side. His defensive displays in the game didn't go unnoticed, hence the selection in this TOTW.

Daniel Itodo (Plateau United)

The long-throw in specialist provided the assist for the opening goal from his usual missiles. Ultimately, he was assured in possession, dominant and decisive against a compact Kwara United side in Jos.

Ubong Essien (Akwa United)

It was a classic performance from the central Midfielder. He ran his socks off, helped the Promise Keepers build play with ease and Shooting Stars' midfield couldn't cope with his intelligence both on and off the ball.

Aniekan Ekpe (Dakkada)

The experienced midfielder scored from the spot to open the scoring against MFM. Ekpe also played excellent passes in the final third during the game as Dakkada claimed a first win of the season.

Chijioke Akuneto (Rivers United)

The former Heartland man helped himself to a goal and was brought down in the area for the opening penalty goal scored by Rafiu. Quite electric upfront for Stanley Eguma's men against a toothless Katsina United in Port-Harcourt on Sunday.

Andy Okpe (Remo Stars)

The lanky forward grabbed a brace in the opening five minutes in Ikenne. It was a dominant performance in front of goal for Andy and could have added more if he was a bit clinical.

Paul Samson (Abia Warriors)

Paul conjured a moment of magic as Abia Warriors defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Okigwe. The forward followed up on last week's performance in Aba with another influential display for Imama Amapakabo's side.

Ishaq Rafiu (Rivers United)

Rafiu is quite a gem. The former Shooting Stars winger scored twice and provided an assist in his side's comfortable win. Though he could have completed his hat trick, but his start to the new season has been electrifying so far.

Finidi George (Enyimba)

The 50-year-old gaffer led Enyimba to a first win at Rangers since 2015 and has won all five of his games in charge of the Elephants so far. The performance in Nnewi was gritty though, but the result was far more important.

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.