NPFL Matchday 22 Round-up: Rivers United extend lead atop standings as Enyimba completes double over Rangers

The NPFL Matchday 22 fixtures were spread across four days, and the ten matches brought with them a lot of drama. The chasing pack fell behind as league leaders Rivers United took another step towards the title.

Rivers United needed a 97th minute goal to claim a hard-earned 1-0 win over Katsina United in the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Midfielder Joseph Onoja scored the winner for the Pride of Rivers to send them four points clear of their nearest rivals.

Plateau United were held to a 1-1 draw away from home as they visited Kwara United in Ilorin. Former Enyimba forward Samad Kadiri scored in the 14th minute to give the home side the lead before Wasiu Jimoh equalised for the Peace Boys just two minutes later. They are now four points off the pace in their pursuit of the league title.

New Akwa United coach Deji Ayeni continued his unbeaten start to life at the club and claimed his first win as the coach of the reigning champions as they defeated Shooting Stars 2-1 in their NPFL Matchday 22 clash. Goals from Bello Babatunde and Naibe Akpesiri in either half put the Promise Keepers in front, before Chidera Eze pulled one back for the Oluyole Warriors late on.

Gombe United picked up all three points from their clash against Nasarawa United following a 3-1 win. Influential forward Yusuf AbdulAzeez opened the scoring for the Savannah Scorpions with his 9th goal of the season before Ahmed Jimoh added a second. Aliyu Abdullahi pulled one back for Nasarawa United before Sani Abbani sealed the win for the home side.

Remo Stars had goalkeeper Kayode Bankole to thank as they came away from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri with a 0-0 draw against Heartland in their NPFL Matchday 22 clash. The in-form goalkeeper was impressive as he kept his 12th clean sheet of the season so far.

Lobi Stars held Kano Pillars to a goalless draw at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi as Baba Ganaru faced his former side for the first time as Lobi Stars coach. Both sides remain in unwanted territory in the NPFL standings with only three points separating Lobi Stars in 17th and Pillars in 13th.

Enyimba claimed a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Oriental rivals Rangers International to claim an important derby win and do the double over their rivals. Ossy Martins put Rangers in front before a brace from Victor Mbaoma gave Enyimba all three points at home.

A late goal from Musa Wakili was enough to give Niger Tornadoes a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourist in their NPFL Matchday 22 encounter. The Ikon Allah Boys have moved up to 14th in the standings and are three points outside the drop zone.

MFM FC continued their recent upturn in form with a 2-0 win over Dakkada FC in Lagos. Oluwaseun Badejo and Oladayo Alabi scored the goals that gave the Church Boys a massive three points in the game. They now lie in 18th place, one point away from safety.

Sunshine Stars defeated Abia Warriors 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 22 clash in Ijebu-Ode. A first-half penalty from Ejike Uzoechi was all the Owena Whales required to pick up maximum points.