NPFL Matchday 19: Rivers United, Plateau United end first half of season on a high
Remo Stars, Kano Pillars, 3SC pick up wins
Chijioke Akuneto scored a hat-trick as Rivers United continued their march towards the NPFL title with a 4-1 thrashing of champions Akwa United in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash in Port Harcourt. Rivers United have 42 points from 19 matches this season and are in top spot.
Flying winger Ishaq Rafiu Kayode opened the scoring for the league’s leaders after only seven minutes from the penalty spot with his 11th goal of the season. Akuneto added goals in the 11th, 28th and 43rd minutes to put the title contenders four goals clear and take his personal tally to nine goals this season. Austin Osayande pulled one back for Akwa United in the 60th minute.
Plateau United picked up a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars to keep up with Rivers United at the summit of the NPFL. Goals from Mohammed Zulkifilu and Haggai Katoh gave the Peace Boys a deserved win in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash, leaving them one point behind leaders Rivers United.
Kano Pillars claimed a needed 3-1 win over Gombe United in their NPFL Matchday 19 clash. Ifeanyi Eze scored twice in the first half to put Kano Pillars two goals up before Yusuf AbdulAzeez pulled one back for the Savannah Scorpions on the stroke of half-time with his eighth goal of the season. Veteran Rabiu Ali scored a brilliant volley in the 88th minute to secure the points for his side with his 106th career NPFL goal.
Remo Stars thrashed Kwara United 3-0 in Ikenne to remain in fourth place after NPFL Matchday 19. Andy Okpe opened the scoring for the Sky Blue Stars in the 47th minute before Tolulope Ojo added a second and Seun Ogunribide added a third in the 82nd minute of the clash.
Wikki Tourist held Enyimba to a goalless draw at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi in a match that was marred by violence from the home fans in the aftermath.
Shooting Stars picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in their NPFL Matchday 19 encounter. Anietie Uko got the game’s only goal after only 13 minutes of the game.
