Akwa United and Enyimba secured important wins over Lobi Stars and Abia Warriors respectively in an eventual Sunday in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), www.aclsports.com reports.
It was the resumption of the league on match day 33 following the competition of Rivers United’s outstandinggames.
The Promise Keepers, who have been in the relegation fight for most of the season, picked a vital 2-1 win in Lafia. Sani Suleiman scored in either half to hand the Akwa Ibom side a two-goal lead before Abubakar Aliyu scored a consolation for the Pride of Benue who have hit a poor run of form in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Enyimba defeated their neighbours Abia Warriors 1-0 in the Abia derby played in Umuahia. Substitute Bernard Ovoke scored the winner with 18 minutes to go. By virtue of the win, the defending champions moved up to second – four points behind leaders Rangers – who thumped Baylesa United 3-0 at the Cathedral. A brace from Godwin Obaje and Chiedozie Okorie’s goal again gave the 2016 champions the advantage in the title race.
Remo Stars, who were second behind Rangers before this match day, suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Kwara United in Ilorin. Wasiu Alalade, Isaiah Ejeh, and an own-goal from Ahmed Akinyele gave the home side a healthy lead before late goals from Franck Mawuena and Dayo Ojo made the scoreline respectable for Remo Stars.
In Katsina, Shooting Stars were denied another win on the road by Michael Ibe’s stoppage time goal for Katsina United. Moses Effiong opened the scoring for the home side before the Oluyole Warriors turned it around with goals from Daddy Abdulrahman and Mustapha Adam Agba before Ibe’s injury-time dagger.
It finished goalless in Akure between Sunshine Stars and Bendel Insurance, as well as in Jos between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes. In Port-Harcourt, Andy Okpe’s brace and other goals from Samuel Antwi and debutant Seiyefa Jackson gave Rivers United a comprehensive 4-1 win over Sporting Lagos whose only goal came from Michael Tochukwu.
Match Day 34 games will come up next weekend with crucial games at both ends of the table to look out for.
MD 33 results
Plateau Utd 0-0 Tornadoes
Rangers 3-0 Bayelsa Utd
Rivers Utd 4-1 Sporting Lagos
Katsina Utd 2-2 3SC
Sunshine Stars 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Heartland 3-0 Gombe Utd
Lobi 1-2 Akwa Utd
Kano Pillars 3-1 Doma Utd
Kwara Utd 3-2 Remo Stars
Abia Warriors 0-1 Enyimba
