Niger Tornadoes emerged the best performers in yesterday’s NPFL week 36 matches after they recorded a crucial 2-1 win at already relegated MFM of Lagos to keep their survival hope alive.
In the must-win week 36 match played in Ijebu-Ode, Munir Idris put Tornadoes ahead in the 22nd minute, MFM drew level in the 63rd minute through Chukwudi Ekeocha’s well taken free-kick but Jonas Emmanuel’s individual brilliance won it for the visitors in the first of second half five added minutes.
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Tornadoes now on 46 points from 36 matches have leapfrogged Lobi Stars to 13th position on superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars suffered setbacks in their relegation battles as they were beaten at Plateau United and Rivers United respectively.
In Port-Harcourt, champions-elect, Rivers United left it late to beat Pillars 1-0 when Ebube Duru converted from the spot in the 90th minute.
At the New Jos stadium, Lobi Stars took an early lead through Duke Osimaga who put them ahead in the 5th minute but Mohammed Zulkifilu scored a brace in the 20th minute from the spot and 68th minute header to deny the desperate visitors a share of the spoils.
With the defeats, Lobi Stars and Pillars have dropped to 14th and 16th positions respectively.
Elsewhere, Enyimba’s hope of a continental ticket dimmed considerably as Remo Stars edged them 1-0 in Ikenne to hold tight to third position with 56 points.
After a barren first half, Sikiru Alimi scored the only goal of the match in the 46th minute when he finished beautifully inside the visitors’ box off Ifegwu Ojukwu’s assist.
In Ilorin, Kwara United were too hot for Nasarawa United to handle as the ‘Solid miners’ suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat after Jide Fatokun, Samad Kadiri and Junior Lokosa scored a goal each to hand the ‘Afonja’ Warriors a comprehensive win to move within touching distance of third placed Remo Stars.
And at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium in Bauchi, Wikki Tourists also had the better of Akwa United with two first half goals.
Taiye Murtala gave the ‘Bauch elephants’ the lead in the 10th minute before Prince John wrapped up victory with the second goal in the 27th minute.
With two more matches to go, MFM have become the first side to be relegated in the 2022 NPFL season.
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