League leaders Akwa United moved to just within a point of securing their first ever league title on Wednesday following a 1-1 draw at FC Ifeanyiubah on a day Jigawa Golden Stars had a monumental slip in a race to avoid being relegated.
Akwa United played out a 1-1 draw against FC Ifeanyiubah in Nnewi to further endanger their hosts’ top division status. Captain Ubong Friday gave United the lead with a brilliant free kick in the 79th minute but Uzochukwu Ifejiofor claimed a share of the spoils for his side with an 87th minute header.
Other continental slot chasers Nasarawa United and Enyimba also claimed crucial points away from home with the former holding Akwa United’s city rivals Dakkada to a 0-0 draw in Uyo.
Enyimba conceded within 35 seconds of their game away to Lobi Stars in Makurdi but levelled scores before half time through Reuben Bala’s penalty. The result saw Enyimba climb to 3rd on the log with Kano Pillars losing 0-1 at Kwara United.
Jigawa Golden Stars slipped on the pitch this time after they were held 1-1 by relegation fellow relegation battlers Warri Wolves at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. The result meant neither sides is sure of their safety at the end of the season.
Rivers United let a two-goal lead slip in stoppage time of their clash with MFM FC in Lagos. Stanley Eguma’s wards had gone 2-0 up courtesy of goals by Nelson Esor Okwa and Joseph Onoja but they inexplicably conceded twice in stoppage time to Imeh Atobasi and Michael Mbonu’s efforts.
Chukwuemeka Obioma scored a hattrick as Abia Warriors annihilated already relegated Adamawa United 5-1 in Okigwe. Yakub Hammed and Godwin Obaje were also on the scoresheet for Imama Amapakabo’s side.
Rangers beat Katsina United 1-0 in Enugu courtesy of Elijah Ani’s goal off an Ibrahim Olawoyin assist. Wikki Tourists hammered Heartland 4-2 in Bauchi while Sunshine Stars dug deep to beat Plateau United 3-2.
MD 36 FULL-TIME SCORES
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-1 Akwa Utd
MFM 2-2 Rivers Utd
Lobi 1-1 Enyimba
Sunshine Stars 3-2 Plateau Utd
Dakkada 0-0 Nasarawa Utd
Rangers 1-0 Katsina Utd
Abia Warriors 5-1 Adamawa Utd
Kwara Utd 1-0 Kano Pillars
Wikki 4-2 Heartland
Jigawa Stars 1-1 Wolves
