Akwa United opens up four-point gap in NPFL as Enyimba, Kano Pillars falter

Akwa United defeated closest rivals Nasarawa United 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 30 encounter on Thursday. Samuel Amadi and Marshall Johnson scored in the first half for the Promise Keepers before Hassan Adamu pulled one back for the Solid Miners from the penalty spot after 77 minutes. Akwa United are now four points clear of second-place Nasarawa United with eight games left to play in the season.

Kano Pillars fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of MFM FC at the Soccer Temple in Agege on Wednesday to further derail their title charge. Tosin Olubobola opened the scoring in the first half for the Church Boys before Najeem Adeyinka added a second just after the hour mark. Pillars captain and NPFL legend Rabiu Ali converted from the penalty spot to halve the deficit to great acclaim from the home fans in the 89th minute. Kano Pillars missed a great chance to go top of the table before their title rivals faced off.

Enyimba could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Warri Wolves at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. Wolves took a shock lead through Daniel Chimezie after 72 minutes, but their lead lasted just 6 minutes before Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo equalised to earn his side a point.

Katsina United defeated Jigawa Golden Stars at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna 1-0 to record their first away win of the season. Joseph Atule scored the match-winner in the 32nd minute to give the Changi Boys all three points from the Matchday 30 encounter.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah hammered Adamawa United at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi by three goals to nil. Mercurial midfielder Ekene Awazie opened the scoring in the 14th minute before second half strikes from Nonso Nzediegwu and Abel James sealed their 3-0 win. The Anambra Warriors move up to 31 points, only two points from safety.

Dakkada FC defeated Kwara United  2-0 to put a dent in their title ambitions at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Goals from Godwin Inamoto and Emmanuel Charles secured all three points for the Chosen Ones.

Sunshine Stars defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 at the Ondo State Sports Complex thanks to a 52nd minute strike from winger Fuad Ekelojuoti. The win puts the Akure Gunners three points away from safety with 8 matches left in the NPFL season.

Rivers United picked up an impressive 3-1 victory over Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to remain in the title hunt. Godwin Aguda opened the scoring inside three minutes from the penalty spot for the home side before Malachi Ohawume and Shedrack Oghali put them comfortably ahead. Andrew Ikefe pulled one back for Plateau United before the final whistle.

Rangers picked up a 2-1 win over Abia Warriors in the week’s Oriental derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Hammed Yakubu opened the scoring for the visitors just before the break, before Christian Nnaji started the comeback early in the second half and Kenechukwu Agu sealed the win for the Flying Antelopes in the 87th minute.

Lobi Stars defeated Heartland comprehensively 3-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. Ossy Martins scored a brace either side of a strike by Monday Akile as they cruised to victory at home.