Nasarawa United on Sunday defeated Abia Warriors 5-3 in the NPFL week 18 match at the Lafia Township stadium just as Kwara United overpowered hosts Katsina United 2-1 to stay top of the table.
Ikenna Offor opened scoring for Nasarawa United in the 12th minute but Fatai Abdullahi equalised for Abia Warriors in the 21st minute before Silas Nwankwo restored the lead for the home side in the 42nd minute.
However, Nasarawa United’s hope of going into the break with the slim advantage was dashed in the 45th minute when Godwin Obaje bundled home the equaliser.
On resumption, Nwankwo got his second of the evening and Nasarawa United’s third in the 47th minute, Chinedu Ohanachom made it four in the 58th minute but Fatai Abdullahi again cut the deficit with his second goal in the 76th minute.
Nwankwo then rounded up the eight-goal thriller with his hat-trick in the 79th minute to move Nasarawa United to fourth on the table.
Meanwhile, in Katsina, it took only six minutes for Afeez Nasiru to put visiting Kwara United in front but Joseph Atule equalised from the spot for Katsina United in the 30th minute before Michael Ohanu scored at the death to hand the ‘Afonja Warriors’ the maximum points.
The crucial away win ensured Kwara United maintained their leadership of the table even as two penalty goals (Rabiu Ali(45th and David Ebuka 90th) handed Kano Pillars a 2-1 win over 10-man Heartland in Kaduna.
In Uyo, a brace by Mfon Udoh (23rd & 45th) and 17th minute opener by Ikechukwu Nwani propelled Akwa United to 3-0 victory over Lobi Stars and third position behind Kano Pillars who are second.
Elsewhere, Warri Wolves who seem to have suddenly found their claws defeated visiting FC IfeanyiUbah 3-1, Plateau United squeezed past Rangers 2-1, Rivers United dimmed Sunshine Stars 1-0 just as the encounter between Adamwa United and Wikki Tourists ended 0-0 at the Pantami stadium Gombe.
Week 18 matches will be concluded today as Enyimba FC welcome Dakkada FC in Aba while MFM travel to Kaduna to face Jigawa Golden Stars.
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