NPFL Matchday 34: Rivers United slip up as Remo Stars enters continental spot

Rivers United were forced to keep their champagne on ice after they were held to a goalless draw by Rangers in their NPFL Matchday 34 clash in Awka. The draw keeps the Pride of Rivers 10 points clear with only four games left to play in the league.

Plateau United were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Gombe United at the New Jos Stadium as they missed a chance to push Rivers United for the title. Towering defender Andrew Ikefe opened the scoring for the Peace Boys on the hour mark before Ibrahim Yahaya equalised for Gombe United in the 70th minute. Nenrot Silas missed a 90th minute penalty for Plateau United, forcing them to settle for one point at home.

Remo Stars climbed up to third place on the standings with a mesmerising performance against Lobi Stars in Ikenne, claiming a 3-1 win over their visitors. Sikiru Alimi put the home side in front before Francis Odinaka equalised in the second half. Flying Eagles star Tolulope Ojo fired Remo Stars back in front, and Samuel Anakwe rounded off the scoring in the 76th minute of their NPFL Matchday 34 clash.

MFM put a dent in Enyimba’s hopes of continental football after a 2-1 comeback win over the People’s Elephant in Ijebu-Ode. Hotshot striker Victor Mbaoma put the visitors ahead with his 16th goal of the season before Oladayo Alabi equalised for MFM from the spot. The midfielder then turned provider as his cross was turned home by Nduka David for the winner.

Dakkada claimed an important win in the Akwa Ibom derby with a 3-1 win over Akwa United in their NPFL Matchday 34 clash. Enterprising winger Samuel Amadi opened the scoring for the Promise Keepers before Etido Dan, Aniekan Ekpe and Edidiong Ezekiel gave Dakkada the win as they avenged their Akwa Ibom FA Cup final loss.

Kwara United defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 34 encounter in Ilorin thanks to a first-half strike from Junior Lokosa.

Wikki Tourist escaped with a point from their home match against Shooting Stars at the Abubakar Tarawa Balewa Stadium following a 1-1 draw. Opeoluwa Olufemi scored the opener for the Oluyole Warriors before Idris Guda scored a 90th minute equaliser from the penalty spot for the home side.

Jimmy Abdul scored a brilliant second-half volley for Niger Tornadoes as they claimed a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in their NPFL Matchday 34 clash as the Ikon Allah Boys moved out of the relegation zone.

Kano Pillars dropped into the relegation zone after suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Abia Warriors at the Okigwe Township Stadium. Paul Samson put the home side in front before Ifeanyi Eze equalised for Kano Pillars. Emmanuel Onu and Godwin Obaje gave Abia Warriors a comfortable cushion in the second half, but Auwalu Ali Malam scored off an exquisite assist from veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali to end the game 3-2.

Heartland claimed a vital lone-goal win over Katsina United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Chukwudi Nwaodu scored a penalty in the second half for the Naze Millionaires to give them the win.