NPFL Matchday 30: Rivers United claim terrific win as Enyimba, Kwara United soldier on

Rivers United maintained their seven-point lead on top of the standings after a magnificent comeback in their NPFL Matchday 30 clah away to Dakkada FC in Uyo. The Pride of Rivers won 3-2 having been 2-1 down with ten minutes remaining. They were without top score Ishaq Rafiu and midfield schemer Chiamaka Madu, both of whom are with the Super Eagles. They went in front after Chijioke Akuneto stabbed home from close range in the 21st minute but were quickly pegged back by the home side. Former youth international Edidiong Ezekiel finished off a cross from teenager Emmanuel Ayaosi to level the scores six minutes later. Ezekiel put his side in front three minutes into the second half with a measured finish. With the game seemingly heading for a disappointing conclusion, Malachi Ohawume came off the bench and scored twice in the last 10 minutes to earn his side all three points from the clash.

Enyimba defeated Nasarawa United 3-2 in their NPFL Matchday 30 clash in Aba. The People’s Elephant took the lead through Samuel Stone in the 44th minute before Sunday Okereke equalised for the visitors four minutes into the second half. Emeka Obioma restored the home side’s lead before Tochukwu Michael equalised from the spot again after 77 minutes. Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo missed a chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot four minutes later before Farouk Mohammed converted an 87th-minute penalty to give Enyimba maximum points.

Kwara United picked up a 1-0 win over reigning champions Akwa United in Ilorin thanks to a 35th-minute penalty converted by striker Samad Kadiri for the Afonja Warriors.

Plateau United handed out a 4-0 thrashing to the visiting Rangers at the New Jos Stadium. Mohamed Zulkifilu opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty before adding a second before half-time. Chimezie Izuchukwu and Sunday Anthony completed the scoring in the second half for the Peace Boys.

Wikki Tourist claimed a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Abia Warriors thanks to a first-half strike from Fuad Ekelojuoti in their NPFL Matchday 30 encounter.

Remo Stars faltered in their bid for continental football after they lost at home to Kano Pillars by a 3-1 scoreline. Mark Daniel and the in-form Auwalu Ali Malam had put the visitors two goals up before Ibrahim Yusuf pulled one back for the Sky Blue Stars. Ali Malam struck again three minutes into the second half to secure the win for his side.

Sunshine Stars defeated Katsina United 2-0 in their NPFL Matchday 30 clash in Akure. Goals from Azeez Ajagbe and Leonard Ugochukwu were enough for the Owena Waves to pick up maximum points at home.

Heartland continued to battle fiercely against relegation, picking up a 3-1 win at home to Shooting Stars in Owerri. The visitors took an early lead through a Gafar Olafimihan penalty in the seventh minute before goals from Chukwudi Nwaodu, Adewole Adeniji, and Murphy Ndukwu gave the Naze Millionaires a priceless home win.

MFM FC moved off the foot of the table with a 3-1 win at home to Gombe United in their NPFL Matchday 30 clash. Micah Ojodomo opened the scoring for the home side before Samuel Oyedeji equalised almost immediately. Oladayo Alabi and Akanni Elijah scored in the last 10 minutes to give their side a deserved 3-1 win.

Violence erupted at the  Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna at half-time as Niger Tornadoes took on Lobi Stars. The Ikon Allah Boys were banished to Kaduna after their fans caused trouble in Ilorin and Abuja, and were again involved. With the match goalless at half-time, their fans attacked the match officials and Lobi Stars players, delivering bodily harm. The decision of the LMC is still being awaited.