Akwa United closes in on NPFL title after Jigawa bashing

Akwa United took a huge step towards picking up their first-ever NPFL title after an impressive 3-0 victory over struggling Jigawa Golden Stars in their Matchday 35 encounter at the Nest of Champions in Uyo. Captain Ubong Friday opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers after he bundled home a header across the six-yard box from a corner. In-form striker Charles Atshimene made it two with his 15th goal of the season, heading home a precise delivery from Samuel Amadi before a late goal from Wisdom Fernando, his first in over two years, rounded up the scoring for the Promise Keepers. The win puts them four points away from the title, with only three games remaining in the season. Their impressive goal difference means that even a win in one of their final three matches may be enough for them to pick up the title.

Nasarawa United hammered relegation candidates Sunshine Stars 4-0 at the Lafia Township Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 35 fixture. Red-hot striker Silas Nwankwo scored a brace and laid off an assist to take his personal tally to 18 goals and 6 assists in the league this season, with Aliyu Abdullahi converting from Nwankwo’s assist to make it 3-0 after just 23 minutes. Right back Chigozie Obasi scored from a direct freekick in the 40th minute to put the game to bed as the Solid Miners secured a routine 4-0 win over their opponents. The Solid Miners remain in second place on 61 points, six points behind Akwa United. Sunshine Stars occupy 17th place and are one point adrift of safety in the league.

Kano Pillars picked up a narrow 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna to keep alive their title hopes in the NPFL this season. Club captain Rabiu Ali scored his 14th league goal of the season from the penalty spot to give the home side a 1-0 win over the Umuahia Landlords, who have had a severe dip in form in the second half of the season. Ali’s goal meant that he has now scored more goals this season at 41 than he has scored in any of his previous seasons in the NPFL, taking his career personal tally to 104. Kano Pillars remain in third place, six points behind Akwa United.

Enyimba survived a late scare to pick up all three points from their Matchday 35 encounter with MFM FC at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba with a 2-1 victory over their visitors. Striker Tosin Omoyele opened the scoring for the People’s Elephant with an exquisite volley after 52 minutes before Oladayo Alabi equalised for the Church Boys with 7 minutes of the match remaining. Enyimba midfielder Anthony Omaka scored his first goal of the season in added time to give the home side a crucial win and keep them in the hunt for the NPFL title.

Rivers United picked up an impressive 2-0 victory over FC Ifeanyi Ubah in their NPFL matchday 35 fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Lookman Binuyo opened the scoring after he drilled a low freekick through the Anambra Warriors wall within 13 minutes of kickoff, before a brilliant counter-attack ended with striker Sunday Adetunji poking the ball past the onrushing Ifeanyi Unah goalkeeper to make it 2-0 to the Pride of Rivers. Rivers United are currently two points outside the continental places in fifth place.

Rangers International were held to a 1-1 draw at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe by the relegated Adamawa United in the NPFL Matchday 35 encounter. Christian Nnaji headed home a corner from Ibrahim Olawoyin after 75 minutes to give Rangers the lead before the home side equalised in the 92nd minute through Henry Ochoba to steal a point from the encounter.

Katsina United overcame Dakkada FC 2-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 35 fixture to put good distance between themselves and the relegation zone with three games left to play. Rasheed Ahmed scored a brace for the Changi Boys as they picked up a routine win over the Chosen Ones in their match.

Warri Wolves gave themselves a fighting chance after picking up a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists at the Ozoro Poly Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 35 clash. Emmanuel Ihezuo scored the game’s only goal for the Seasiders, who remain in 18th place, two points away from safety in the NPFL.

Heartland was held by Kwara United to a drab 0-0 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in their largely uneventful NPFL Matchday 35 encounter. Heartland finished the match with 10 players after Emeka Atuloma received his marching orders for a foul in the 90th minute.

Plateau United and Lobi Stars played out a goalless draw at the New Jos Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 35 clash. Both sides remain in the top half of the NPFL, away from the relegation struggle as well as the title pursuit.