NPFL Matchday 27: Five-star Rivers United thrash NNL-bound MFM, pulls away in title race

Rivers United moved seven points clear in the NPFL with only 11 games left to play following their 5-0 humbling of MFM at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Esor Nelson opened the scoring for the Pride of Rivers before Chijioke Akuneto scored twice either side of the halftime whistle to put Rivers United 3-0 up. George Akpabio scored his first goal for Rivers United in the 84th minute before Ishaq Rafiu Kayode slammed home a free-kick in the 94th minute for his 14th goal of the season. MFM are now six points from safety in the league and look destined for relegation to the NNL.

Nasarawa United handed Plateau United a 2-1 defeat at the New Jos Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 27 clash. Sunday Okereke opened the scoring for the Solid Miners after only four minutes before Chimezie Izuchukwu equalised for Plateau United just before half-time. Veteran striker Chinedu Ohanachom scored the match winner for the Solid Miners in the 55th minute to give them all three points. Plateau United have seen their title hopes suffer a dent as they now lie seven points behind leaders Rivers United.

Champions Akwa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Midfield schemer Bello Babatunde opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers before Victor Mbaoma scored a 90th minute equaliser for the People’s Elephant to take his personal tally to 12.

Lobi Stars continued with their fight against relegation by claiming a comeback 2-1 win over Katsina United in Makurdi. Mustapha Salisu gave the visitors a first-half lead before goals from Endurance Ebedebiri and a late strike from Nanen Imenger saw Lobi Stars claim all three points from the clash.

Shooting Stars claimed a 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes in their NPFL Matchday 27 clash in Ibadan. Former Rivers United striker Moses Omodumueke scored the game’s only goal in the seventh minute to give his side an important win in the match.

Wikki Tourist defeated Dakkada FC 2-0 in their NPFL Matchday 27 encounter in Bauchi. Ridwan Adeshina and Fuad Ekelojuoti scored in either half to give the home side all three points in the clash.

Kano Pillars moved to only one point from safety following a 2-1 comeback win over Kwara United in their NPFL Matchday 27 encounter. Samad Kadiri opened the scoring for Kwara United before a quickfire second-half double from Kano Pillars through Jerry Eze and Auwalu Ali Malam gave Sai Masu Gida three crucial points. It was Ali Malam’s first goal for the club since returning from his loan spell at Rivers United.

Gombe United kept alive their hopes of continental football with a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars in their NPFL Matchday 27 clash at the Pantami Stadium. Alege Abdulquadri scored the only goal of the game for the Savannah Scorpions.

Abia Warriors eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 win over Remo Stars in their NPFL Matchday 27 clash in Okigwe. Yakub Hammed opened the scoring for the Umuahia Warriors after the hour mark before Valentine Odoh added a late second to secure maximum points for Abia Warriors.

Rangers moved up to third in the NPFL with a 3-1 win over Heartland in their Oriental Derby encounter in Awka. Monday Yakubu opened the scoring for the Naze Millionaires before Rangers replied through Ossy Martins, Shedrack Asiegbu and Eso Archibong for the Flying Antelopes.