Nasarawa Utd, Pillars win to close gap on Akwa United

The duo of Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars squeezed past their opponents in yesterday’s NPFL week 33 matches to close the gap on leaders Akwa United who were forced to a 1-1 draw at Rivers United.

At the Lafia stadium, 2021 NPFL leading goalscorer, Silas Nwankwo’s 15th goal of the season in the 18th minute was enough for second placed Nasarawa United to pick the maximum points against MFM of Lagos while in Kaduna, the legendary Rabiu Ali and David Ebuka scored a goal each in the 38th and 40th minute against Dakkada FC to return Pillars to third place on the table.

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The victories recorded by Nasarawa United and Pillars wouldn’t have made any difference, if Rivers United didn’t fight back to cancel out Charles Atshimene’s first half strike to end the keenly contested fixture 1-1.

Therefore, at the end of week 33 matches, Akwa United remained on top of the table with 61 points closely followed by Nasarawa United and Pillars on 58 points each.

In Aba, Enyimba survived Jigawa United’s scare to win 2-1. Sani Bature stunned the hosts in the 43rd minute, Reuben Bala equalised three minutes later and the match was heading for a draw before Tosin Omolye popped up with the match winner when it was two minutes to full time.

The slim victory has moved Enyimba back to the fourth position with 57 points, one point behind Nasarawa United and Pillars.

At the New Jos stadium, defending champions Plateau United maintained their dominance of FC IfeanyiUbah as they walloped the ‘Nnewi millionaires’ 4-o.

Daniel Jackson opened the rout of the relegation threatened visitors in the 4th minute, Oche Ochowechi doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, Mohammed Zulkifilu made it three in the 62nd minute before midfielder, Uche Onwuansanya sealed victory with the fourth in the 83rd minute.

Elsewhere, Heartland piped Rangers 2-1 in Okigwe, Katsina United forced Lobi Stars to a 1-1 draw in Katsina, Warri Wolves edged Kwara United 1-0 in Ozoro, Wikki Tourists tamed Abia Warriors 1-0 at home while resurgent Sunshine Stars held Adamawa United to a barren draw at the Pantami stadium in Gombe.