Akwa United have inched closer to their maiden Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with a 3-0 thrashing of Jigawa Golden Stars in the week 35 match played yesterday at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
Friday Ubong opened the scoring for Akwa United in the second minute of first half added time, Charles Atshimene doubled the lead in the seventh minute of the second half before Brazilian import Wisdom Fernando sealed victory with the third goal in the 89th minute.
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And to ensure they don’t lose sight of Akwa United, Nasarawa United also drubbed hapless Sunshine Stars 4-0 at the Lafia township stadium.
2021 NPFL leading goalscorer, Silas Nwankwo scored a brace in the 11th and 16th minute before Aliyu Abdullahi and Chigozie Obasi scored a goal each the 23rd and 4oth minute to complete the eclipsing of the stars from Akure.
At the Ahmadu Bello stadium Kaduna, Rabiu Ali scored from the spot in the 54th minute to hand Kano Pillars the crucial victory over Abia Warriors to remain in third place.
Enyimba also survived MFM’s scare to win 2-1 in Aba to stay close to Pillars for a possible take over of the third spot.
Tosin Omoleye had given Enyimba the lead in the 53rd minute but Oladayo Alabi’s struck six minutes from time to level scores before Athony Omaka’s sucker punch in the fifth minute of second half added time.
Elsewhere, it was another good day in the office for Katsina United who benefitted from Rasheed Ahmed’s brace in the 5th and 82nd minute to beat visiting Dakkada FC 2-0, Rivers United compounded FC IfeanyiUbah’s relegation worries with a 2-0 victory, Rangers drew 1-1 with Adamawa United in Gombe just as Warri Wolves kept hopes alive with a slim 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists in Ozoro.
Meanwhile, the fixtures between Plateau United and Lobi Stars in Jos and Heartland against Kwara United in Okigwe ended in barren draws.