Beyond Limits FA of Ikenne defeated Heartland FC of Owerri, while Sporting Lagos hammered hosts Solution FC 3-0 in the Nigeria National League (NNL) games decided on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
In their quest to seal another promotion to the elite division, Beyond Limits laboured to a 1-0 win over the Naze Millionaires thanks to debutant Mark Akpabio’s strike just before the hour mark. In the reverse fixture, it ended goalless between the two teams, but the home side showed more desire this time around to take all three points at the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne.
After a goalless first half, the home side upped the ante. Striker Akpabio, on from the start for his league debut, rose highest to head home a teasing cross from right-back Peter Celestine. Despite a late attack from the visitors, the Sky Blue Stars held on to claim another home win.
Beyond Limits moved to the top of Conference A group with 18 points from ten matches. In the other results of the group, Smart City defeated Gateway United 3-2, while Crown FC and Sunshine Stars played out a goalless draw.
In Conference B, Sporting Lagos regained top spot after a clinical performance against Solution FC at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday. Aliyu Baba scored twice, while Seun Akanji added another one in the second half to seal a third win on the road for the Lagosians. Other results in the group saw Godswill Akpabio United beat Osun United 1-0, while Abakaliki piped Stormers 1-0 on Friday.
In Conference C, Doma United continued to set the pace there following a 2-0 win over City FC at home. Sokoto United and Lobi Stars played out a goalless draw, while FC Basira defeated Kada Warriors 1-0, and ABS also took three points off Mighty Jets in Ilorin with a 2-1 win. In Conference D, it was a hat-trick of home wins for Yobe Desert Stars, Jigawa Golden Stars and Bichi First over Adamawa United, Gombe United and Kebbi United, respectively.
The second stanza of the second division continues on Sunday with other games. Only the Conference winners will gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the season.
