NPFL Matchday 24 round-up; Akwa United return to the top

On Sunday, MFM defeated Dakkada FC 1-0 at the Soccer Temple in Agege thanks to a strike by Oladapo Alabi to move up to 9th on the log, a testament of the brilliant job done by coach Olalekan Gabriel since his appointment. The Olukoya Boys kept 5 clean sheets in 5 NPFL games in May, winning four of those and drawing the other.

Nasarawa United picked up a narrow 1-0 home victory over Adamawa United. Ebuka Anaekwe got the game’s only goal as the Solid Miners moved into the top three and straight back into the mix for the title.

Lobi Stars overcame an early setback to defeat Sunshine Stars 2-1 at the Aper Aku Stadium. Sunshine Stars had taken a 15th minute lead through Ugonna Uzochukwu but a quickfire double from John Lazarus and Ossy Martins ensured that the Akure Gunners continue their miserable run of form that has seen them drop to 18th on the log.

Katsina United won their relegation six-pointer against Warri Wolves by a lone goal scored by Samuel Nnoshiri. This was a huge result for the Changi Boys, who moved straight out of the relegation zone at the expense of their opponents.

Enyimba and Heartland played out a goalless draw at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. The People’s Elephant have now failed to beat the Naze Millionaires in 8 attempts. They were let down by their finishing on the day, as they easily picked the Heartland defence apart time and again.

Akwa United returned to the summit of the NPFL with a 2-1 win at home to Kwara United, whose title chase seems to have fallen apart badly. Ubong Friday and Nasiru Jibril scored for the Promise Keepers before Wasiu Alalade pulled one back for their visitors, who now drop to 5th on the log.

Plateau United held Kano Pillars to a 0-0 draw at the New Jos Stadium. The visitors are now placed second on the NPFL log on goal difference as the title race heats up. Plateau United stay in 11th place on the table.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah picked up an admirable 0-0 draw at home to high-flying Rangers International at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi. Rangers remain in 6th place, with their hosts marooned further down in 19th.

On Monday, Wikki Tourists came within minutes of handing Rivers United their first home defeat of the season as former Rivers United striker Stephen Gopey opened the scoring for the Bauchi-based side. It took a 90th minute goal from Malachi Ohawume to salvage a point from the game for the Pride of Rivers.

Jigawa Golden Stars and Abia Warriors played out a goalless draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, leaving them in 14th and 13th place on the log, respectively.