FC Ifeanyi Ubah edges Heartland in Oriental derby as Kano Pillars falls to defeat

FC Ifeanyi Ubah were impressive as they picked up an impressive 2-1 victory over Heartland in their Oriental derby game at home in Matchday 28 of the NPFL. Second half goals from Lukman Aliu and Nonso Nzediegwu put the Anambra Warriors in front before Kingsley Maduforo scored in added time to halve the deficit, but Ifeanyi Ubah held on for the win that puts them on 28 points, only two points away from safety.

Jigawa Golden Stars condemned Ahmed Musa and Kano Pillars to their first defeat in 9 fixtures with a 1-0 victory at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. A late strike from Ali Kalla after 80 minutes settled the encounter, leaving Kano Pillars in third place, four points adrift of Akwa United at the top of the league.

Lobi Stars handed neighbours Kwara United a 2-0 defeat for their troubles at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. The game was decided by second-half strikes from Sani Mohammed and Monday Akile for Lobi Stars, who move up to 8th on the log. Kwara United are just three points ahead of Lobi in 5th place on the NPFL table.

Sunshine Stars picked up a surprise 2-1 victory over Abia Warriors at the Ondo State Sports Complex thanks to a brace from marksman Sadeeq Yusuf which sandwiched a goal from Abia Warriors’ Paul Samson. Sunshine Stars remain in the relegation zone in 18th place, but Abia Warriors are 13th. Yusuf has now scored 11 NPFL goals this season.

Dakkada FC and Rangers played out a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Isaac George opened the scoring for the Chosen Ones before Shedrack Asiegbu finished off a classy team goal with a brilliant volley in the 88th minute to rescue a point for his side.

Enyimba were held to a goalless draw by Nasarawa United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. Nasarawa United has climbed above Kano Pillars into second place on the NPFL log, and Enyimba remains in sixth place.

Rivers United secured a 1-0 win over Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium thanks to a 77th minute-strike by Malachi Ohawume. The result lifts the Pride of Rivers up to fourth place, while Katsina United are just three points above the drop zone.

Plateau United dispatched a stubborn Warri Wolves outfit 2-0 at the New Jos Stadium. It took them until the 74th minute to break the deadline through Sunday Anthony, before Muhammed Zulkifilu added a second six minutes later to secure the result with his 11th goal of the season. Plateau United are up to 9th in the NPFL standings.

MFM FC extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists at the Soccer Temple in Agege. Skipper Kenedium Nelson scored the game’s only goal after 55 minutes as MFM moved up to 10th on the log.