Akwa United open six-point gap as Nasarawa United, Pillars falter

Table toppers, Akwa United have opened a six-point lead as Charles Atshimene inspired them to an emphatic 3-0 win over hapless Warri Wolves in yesterday’s week 34 fixture to take advantage of Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars losses on the road,

The Uyo based club got off to a flying start in the 7th minute through Charles Atshimene who converted his spot kick expertly.

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John Ubong Friday doubled their lead in the 25th minute before Atshimene bagged his brace in the 58th minute to seal the victory that took Akwa United to 64 points.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa United’s hopes of overtaking Akwa United suffered a serious setback at the Aper Aku stadium in Makurdi where they led twice before Lobi Stars stormed back to win 3-2.

The ‘solid miners’ had a dream start when Silas Nwankwo opened the scoring in the 3rd minute but Lobi’s Samuel Mathias equalized in the 19th minute.

Eight minutes later, Nwankwo scored again to make it 2-1 but in what appeared like a goal scoring competition, Mathias again equalized in the 30th minute to make it 2-2 before Austin Ogenye’s match winner in the 42nd minute.

In the same vein, Kano Pillars also failed to mount a challenge as they lost 2-0 to ten-man Rangers in Enugu. Christian Nnaji gave Rangers the lead in the 5th minute before Eso Archibong put the match beyond Pillars in the 59th minute.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors defeated Heartland FC 2-1, Rivers United lost by the same scoreline to Jigawa Stars in Kaduna, MFM scorched Plateau United 3-1 in Lagos while Katsina United forced Sunshine Stars to a 0-0 draw in Akure.

Meanwhile, week 34 matches will continue today as Dakkada welcome relegation bound Adamawa United, Wikki Tourists host Kwara United while fifth placed Enyimba with eyes on the second spot, battle FC IfeanyiUbah in an ‘Oriental derby’ in Nnewi.