Kano Pillars return to top of NPFL as Akwa United create new unbeaten record

Kano Pillars picked up a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at home to Enyimba in their NPFL Matchday 25 encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring for the visitors in the 8th minute of the tie before talismanic midfielder Rabiu Ali levelled matters from the penalty spot in the 51st minute, and Ifeanyi Eze scored a 75th-minute winner for the home side who return to the top of the table.

Akwa United played a 2-2 draw away to Wikki Tourists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. The home side went in front through in-form striker Stephen Gopey after 33 minutes, before Saidu Salisu and Charles Atshimene scored to turn things around for the visitors. Former Rivers United striker Gopey scored again in the 70th minute to ensure that Akwa United did not leave with all three points, leaving the Promise Keepers in second place on the log. Akwa United however created a new NPFL record of 15 consecutive matches unbeaten, eclipsing the record of 14 matches previously held by Enyimba.

Kwara United handed Jigawa Golden Stars a 3-0 thrashing at the Kwara State Sports Complex. Afeez Nasiru opened the scoring for the Afonja Warriors before Wasiu Alalade scored twice to seal the victory. The win takes Kwara United up to third place on the log.

Warri Wolves defeated Sunshine Stars 2-1 at the Ozoro Poly Stadium, extending the Akure Gunners’ winless run to 18 games. Mark Daniel and Walter Ighoakporive scored the goals for the Seasiders before Fuad Ekelojuoti scored a late consolation for the Akure Gunners, who are deep in relegation trouble now. Warri Wolves move out of the relegation zone with their win.

Katsina United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 at home to move further away from the relegation zone. Samuel Nnoshiri opened the scoring from the spot for the Changi Boys before Chigozie Obasi equalised for the Solid Miners only two minutes later. Samuel Kalu scored the winner for Katsina United in the 29th minute of the encounter.

Heartland and Rivers United played out a 2-2 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Chijioke Akuneto opened the scoring for the Naze Millionaires at home, before Shedrack Oghali equalised less than a minute later for the visitors. Nwaodu Chukwudi scored in the second half to give the home side the lead again, before Oghali scored a second just after the hour mark to ensure that the spoils were shared between both sides.

MFM came within minutes of a famous away victory over Rangers International at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Chimezie Izuchukwu gave the Olukoya Boys the lead after 66 minutes before Ugochukwu Ugwuoke scored an equaliser for the home side in the 85th minute. MFM remain unbeaten in their last six NPFL matches.

John Lazarus scored the game’s only goal as Lobi Stars picked up a vital 1-0 away win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium against Dakkada FC in the NPFL.

Plateau United defeated Adamawa United 2-0 away from home at the Pantami Stadium thanks to goals from Ibrahim Abubakar in the 14th minute, and Muhammad Zulkifilu in the 73rd minute of the encounter.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Abia Warriors FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Okigwe Township Stadium in their Oriental Derby match. Patrick Egeonu opened the scoring for FC Ifeanyi Ubah before a Tochukwu Anueyiagu own goal ensured that the spoils were shared evenly in the game.