NPFL Matchday 25: Rivers United, Plateau return to winning ways

Rivers United continued to move towards the title after a 3-0 triumph over Niger Tornadoes in their NPFL Matchday 25 clash in Port Harcourt. Having lost their last game in the league, the Pride of Rivers needed to show that it was only a blip and they did just that.

Winger Ishaq Rafiu Kayode scored his 13th goal of the season with a delightful finish to give the home side the lead before Nyima Nwagua tapped home a second to put them firmly in control. Konan Ruffin added a third late in the game to seal the points for the leaders. Rivers United have a four-point lead over their nearest rivals.

Plateau United managed to match the result of their rivals Rivers United to remain in the title race, bouncing back from their Matchday 24 defeat. The Peace Boys had to navigate their way past a tricky Remo Stars side in Jos thanks to a towering header from defender Ibrahim Buhari, who has developed a knack for scoring for the side. The result pushed Remo Stars down to fourth place.

Rangers returned to third place in the league after their 3-0 hammering of Kwara United in their NPFL Matchday 25 clash in Awka. Ossy Martins scored a brace for the Flying Antelopes and Chidiebere Nwobodo added a third to give them maximum points in the match.

Gombe United kept their hopes of continental football alive after a hard-earned 1-0 win over Katsina United in their NPFL Matchday 25 encounter. Red-hot winger AbdulAzeez Yusuf scored his 11th goal of the season for the Savannah Scorpions with a wonderful strike from range in the game.

Akwa United continued their impressive form under coach Deji Ayeni with a 1-0 win at home to Lobi Stars in their NPFL Matchday 25 clash. Mid-season recruit Bello Babatunde scored his third goal in six matches for the club to give them the three points. The Promise Keepers are unbeaten in six matches since the appointment of the former Sunshine Stars gaffer.

Kano Pillars returned to winning ways and boosted their bid to avoid relegation with a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars in their adopted home in Abuja. Jerry Alex got the only goal of the game for Sai Masu Gida, who are now only one point from safety.

Shooting Stars picked up a 2-0 win over Enyimba in their NPFL Matchday 25 clash. Former Rivers United man Moses Omodumueke opened the scoring for the Oluyole Warriors before turning provider for Emmanuel Lucky to double the side’s tally.

Nasarawa United defeated Dakkada FC 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 25 encounter thanks to a first-half penalty from midfielder Tochukwu Michael.

Wikki Tourist and Heartland played out a drab draw in their NPFL Matchday 25 clash in Bauchi.