The race for the 2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title is getting tighter, following Nasarawa United’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars in the last fixture of Matchday 31 played yesterday at Lafia Township stadium.
From the blast of the whistle to signal the commencement of the match, the home side showed intent to annex the maximum points as they mounted pressure on Jigawa Stars defence.
Consequently, the visitors’ goalkeeper, Victor Sochima was put to test severally within the first 16 minutes of the highly entertaining match.
However, in the 17th minute, Jigawa GS had their first chance through forward, Dogara Peter whose long-range effort was well dealt with by Nasarawa United keeper, Galadima Mohammed.
The deadlock was, however, broken in the 19th minute when the home side took the lead after Sochima spilled Chigozie Obasi’s long-range free-kick before Silas Nwankwo turned home the rebound to open the scoring.
Nwankwo had his second of the day in the 31st minute when he picked the top corner after he was set up by vastly experienced strike partner, Hassan Adamu.
In the 59th minute, Adamu the provider turned the scorer of his side’s third of the match after he exquisitely finished off a well drilled pass from Michael Tochukwu.
However, the hosts conceded a penalty in the 85th minute which was converted by Samuel Stone for the match to end 3-1.
With the conclusion of the MatchDay 31 fixtures, Akwa United still remain top with 57 points closely followed by Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars with 55 points.
Kwara United and Rivers United are in fourth and fifth position respectively with 52 points.
However, Enyimba who occupy the sixth position with 51 points and Kwara United have one outstanding match to play.