Title chasing Enugu Rangers were in imperious form Thursday as they crushed host Akwa United 3-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 18 match played at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
A former Technical Adviser of Akwa United, Coach Abdul Maikaba, was the one who masterminded the smashing defeat of the ‘Promise Keepers’ who failed to keep their promise when it mattered most.
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After a barren first half, Samuel Pam opened the scoring for Rangers in the 55th minute, Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 70th minute before substitute Shedrack Asiegbu put the icing on the cake with the third goal in the 90th minute.
In Makurdi, troubled Lobi Stars also suffered a home defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by the Imama Amapakabo tutored Abia Warriors.
Valentine Odoh scored the opener for Abia Warriors in the 54th minute, two minutes later, Solomon Kwambe equalised for Lobi Stars but Odoh grabbed his brace six minutes from regulation time to ensure Lobi Stars recorded back-to-back home losses.
In Ilorin, Kwara United were 2-1 winners over Heartland after Deji Bamidele put the hosts in front in the 57th minute. Alao Danbani doubled the lead in the 69th minute before Chukwudi Nwaodu reduced the deficit in the 80th minute.
Elsewhere, Rivers United forced Gombe United to a 0-0 in Gombe to ensure they restored their one point lead at the top of the table.
Before yesterday’s match, second placed Plateau United had equalled Rivers United 38 points after forcing Enyimba to a 1-1 draw in Aba on Saturday.
At the Lafia township stadium, Nasarawa United fought back from an early setback to draw 1-1 with MFM, Sunshine Stars also fought back to beat Dakkada 2-1 at home just as Katsina United beat 10-man Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Katsina.
The last week 16 match between 3SC and Kano Pillars under floodlight in Ibadan ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
