Nigeria Professional Football League leaders Plateau United took another massive step towards the title after an important point at former Champions Kano Pillars on Sunday.
Ibeh Johnson scored for the second league game in a row to give United a shock first half lead at the Sani Abacha Stadium and although Hamza Tiya equalized for the hosts in the second half, Kennedy Boboye’s men held on for the point with huge credit to goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye.
The result leaves United three points clear of MFM ahead of both team’s meeting in Jos next weekend.
Second placed MFM FC spurned a chance to narrow the gap on Plateau when they were held 0-0 by 4th placed Enyimba in Lagos. After a blistering start to the game by the hosts, Enyimba settled down in it and could have won it had captain Mfon Udoh taken his chances.
Sunday’s biggest result came at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi where Abia Warriors, winless in their last four matches came from behind to thrash hosts Lobi Stars 4-2. Kingsley Eduwo gave Solomon Ogbeide’s Lobi a first half lead but Warriors replied with four, including a brace for Eduwo’s fellow CHAN Eagles invitee, Sunday Adetunji, taking his season’s tally to 14 goals before Eduwo also completed his brace in stoppage time.
Akwa United completed their away schedule in a 0-1 loss to Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode. Ajibola Otegbeye scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot on 17 minutes.
In Nnewi, FC Ifeanyiubah put behind them the sad news of an attack on a church in Ozubulu (a suburb of Nnewi where the Ifeanyiubah stadium is situated) to beat Nasarawa United 1-0 as they move to 5th on the log. Ivorian Pascal Seka scored the only goal as Ifeanyiubah secured only their second win over Nasarawa United in their last five meetings.
Shooting Stars of Ibadan continued their dogged fight against relegation with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over fellow strugglers, Gombe United. Musa Usman shocked the hosts on 47 minutes but captain Seun Akinyemi restored parity before Nojeem Olukokun scored the winner for Fatai Amoo’s men.
Champions Rangers also did their survival hopes some good with a hard earned point against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. Bright Silas gave visit Rangers the lead before Chinedu Onyelonu evened scores for Wikki.
Basement side Remo Stars moved a step closer to confirming their relegation status when they went down 2-0 at ABS in Ilorin. Samuel Oyedeji scored from the penalty spot before Wasiu Alalade made the game safe in stoppage time.
In Lokoja, Niger Tornadoes ended a run of three games without victory with a 1-0 win over continental chasers El-Kanemi Warriors. Bolaji Adeyemo scored the lone goal 13 minutes from time.
Rivers United host Katsina United in Port Harcourt on Monday evening in the final game of the Match Day 33 schedule.
