NPFL Matchday 33: Rivers United move to within touching distance of NPFL title

Rivers United are at the verge of making history in the NPFL after they secured an impressive 2-1 win over Abia Warriors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 33 clash.

The Pride of Rivers found themselves behind inside the first minute as Anthony Okemmiri gave the Umuahia Landlords the lead. Chijioke Akuneto scored a brace, one of which was a penalty, in the second half to lead the scoring charts with 16 goals this season and put his side 10 points clear with only five games left.

Rivers United need only two wins to mathematically win the NPFL22 title, and are almost certain to set a new points record this season.

Plateau United were stunned by Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan in their NPFL Matchday 33 clash. The match was played with no fans in attendance and the home side claimed a 2-1 win. Malomo Taofeek gave the Oluyole Warriors an eighth minute lead before Samuel Matthias equalised with a brilliant free-kick in the second half. Moses Omodumueke won and scored an 89th minute penalty for the home side to do his former side Rivers United a huge favour in the title race.

Enyimba were on another level when they took on Kwara United at the Enyimba International Stadium, claiming a 3-0 win to move up to fourth on the log. Super Eagles striker Victor Mbaoma grabbed a sensational hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 15 goals.

Elsewhere, Champions Akwa United handed Remo Stars a 1-0 defeat at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo thanks to a second half header from Naibe Akpesiri.

Sunshine Stars defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in Akure as they locked horns in an NPFL Matchday 33 clash. Ugochukwu Leonard gave the home side the lead before Jimmy Abdul equalised for the Ikon Allah Boys. Ikenna Cooper scored the winner for the Owena Whales in the second half.

Gombe United and Dakkada FC played out a 2-2 draw at the Pantami Stadium in their NPFL Matchday 33 encounter. Gombe United hitman AbdulAzeez Yusuf opened the scoring with a deft finish for the 15th goal of his maiden NPFL season before Rahman Olanrewaju leveled matters after putting the ball through his own net. Dakkada youngster Emmanuel Ayaosi struck to put his side in front but Sani Suleiman had the final say, with his 56th minute strike earning a draw for the Savannah Scorpions.

Kano Pillars were held to a 1-1 draw by Wikki Tourist at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Fahad Usman gave the home side a lead with a free-kick before Shafiu Adamu equalised for his side to earn a draw.

Nasarawa United defeated Rangers in their NPFL Matchday 33 clash by a lone goal thanks to a second-half penalty from Michael Tochukwu.

Katsina United claimed an important 2-1 win over MFM FC to compound the woes of the Lagos-based side. Destiny Ashadi gave the Chanji Boys an early lead before Micah Ojodomo equalised for MFM in the second half. Dauda Madaki scored in the 89th minute to give Katsina United a vital three points.

Lobi Stars picked up three points from their NPFL Matchday 33 clash with Heartland after a 2-1 win in Makurdi. Nanen Imenger opened the scoring for Lobi Stars from the penalty spot before Murphy Ndukwu equalised for the Naze Millionaires. Heartland were reduced to 10 men when Ebuka Okoro was sent off in the 90th minute, and Ifeanyi Ogba scored a late winner for Lobi Stars in added time. There was time for a second sending off, this time for Heartland’s Chijioke Mbaoma, before the final whistle.