No Effiong no problem for Akwa United as they go top of NPFL

Akwa United finally reached the top of the NPFL following a good performance at home to secure a 2-1 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in their NPFL Matchday 20 fixture. Some good interplay between the players of the home side ended with veteran Mfon Udoh squaring the ball across the face of goal for Charles Atshimene to open the scoring for Akwa United. The league’s top scorer, Sadeeq Yusuf equalised for the struggling visitors with his 9th goal of the season in the first half, ending a dry spell of 9 matches without a goal in the league. Seth May however had the final say as he scored in the second half to ensure that Akwa United won the game and moved to the top of the NPFL on 37 points. Sunshine Stars drop into the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Katsina United marked their return to action with a ruthless 5-1 thrashing of Wikki Tourists at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Joseph Atule opened the scoring for the home side before assisting both Rasheed Ahmed and former Heartland forward Samuel Nnoshiri to make it 3-0. Former Rivers United forward, Stephen Gopey pulled one back for Warri Wolves before another Atule assist set Samuel Kalu free to make it 4-1 and Rasheed Ahmed scored his second of the game to make it 5-1 as Katsina United moved out of the drop zone emphatically.

Rivers United continued with their perfect home record as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Dakkada FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Sunday Adetunji opened the scoring for the Pride of Rivers before Paul Acquah scored a second as they won their 10th home league match of the season to move up to 4th place, two points off the top of the table.

Nasarawa United defeated Kwara United 2-1 at the Lafia Township Stadium. Anas Yusuf opened the scoring for the home side before Silas Nwankwo added a second. Wasiu Alalade pulled one back for Kwara United for Kwara United who finished the game with 10 men after Jide Williams was sent off in the first half. Kwara United drop to third on the log following the defeat.

Kingsley Maduforo scored a late winner for Heartland as they won 1-0 away at Adamawa United in their NPFL Matchday 20 encounter. Adamawa United remain rooted to the bottom of the table as Heartland move up to 8th.

Abdu Maikaba secured his first ever win over Imama Amapakabo as Plateau United defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium. Plateau United took the lead through an Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga brace before Fatai Abdullahi pulled one back for the Umuahia Landlords as they fell to defeat.

Kano Pillars were denied an away win against Warri Wolves by a late penalty awarded to the home side. Auwalu Ali Malam opened the scoring for Kano Pillars before Mark Daniels scored from the penalty spot to spare the home side’s blushes. Kano Pillars remain in second place on the log, level on points with Akwa United.

Rangers International won the Oriental derby against Enyimba by two goals to nil thanks to two penalties by Christian Nnaji and Elijah Ani. Rangers move up to 5th as Enyimba remain in 7th and are winless in three matches in the league.