NPFL Matchday 35: Champions-elect lose in Jos as Enyimba, Shooting Stars held at home

NPFL22 champions-elect Rivers United fell to a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nasarawa United at the New Jos Stadium, the Solid Miners’ adopted home. Their NPFL Matchday 35 clash was drama-filled as Sunday Okereke opened the scoring for the Solid Miners in the 5th minute. Substitute Sikiru Olatunbosun thought he had rescued a point for his side when he scored with his first touch in the 80th minute. The Solid Miners would have the last laugh as Tochukwu Michael scored from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game.

In Aba, Enyimba were held to a goalless draw by Heartland in their Oriental Derby despite dominating the game completely. The People’s Elephant came closest to scoring in the dying stages of the match when left-back Imoh Obot saw his shot from range cannon off the woodwork. They remain one point outside of the continental places.

Shooting Stars let a two-goal lead slip in their NPFL Matchday 35 clash with Abia Warriors in Ibadan. An Emmanuel Lucky penalty and a goal from Dare Olatunji gave the Oluyole Warriors a 2-0 lead. Valentine Odoh cut their lead in half in the 41st minute before Godwin Obaje scored the leveller in the 70th minute.

Gombe United defeated Wikki Tourist 2-1 in front of a full house at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring for the home side before Victor Okoro equalised almost immediately for the visitors. Playmaker Ahmed Jimoh had the final say for the Savannah Scorpions with a goal in the 65th minute of the match.

Sunshine Stars plunged regional rivals MFM further into the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over the Lagos-based side in their NPFL Matchday 35 clash in Akure. Azeez Ajagbe and Ike Brandon put the Owena Whales two goals ahead before David Nduka scored a consolation for the Church Boys.

Lobi Stars defeated Dakkada FC by a lone goal in their relegation six-pointer thanks to an early strike by Chinonso Okonkwo. The Makurdi-based club are now three points clear of the drop zone.

Kano Pillars picked up a vital three points in their NPFL Matchday 35 clash with Rangers. Club captain Rabiu Ali scored the matchwinner from the penalty spot in the 51st minute to hand his side all three points and move them two points clear of the drop zone.

There were scarcely believable scenes in Katsina as Katsina United defeated Remo Stars 3-2 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. On-loan Enyimba striker Tosin Omoyele had scored a brace to put the home side two goals up in the first half before Sikiru Alimi pulled one back for the Sky Blue Stars in the 56th minute. Al-Ameen Adegbite scored a 92nd minute equaliser after a well-worked team move to draw his side level. The drama started after Remo Stars equalised.

The home fans began to threaten the match officials and seized the equipment with which Remo Stars streamed the match for their fans, forcing the referee to extend the match. The Chanji Boys eventually scored a winner 38 minutes after the end of regular time through Emmanuel Matthew to claim the three points and move two points clear of the relegation zone.