Rivers United have maintained their position at the top of the ongoing 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League with a 3-1 victory over Heartland in the Match Day 5 fixtures yesterday.
The Port Harcourt based team got off the mark in the 19th minute through Godwin Aguda from the penalty spot at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium
The lead was increased in the 64th minute through Enyinnaya Kazie but the deficit was reduced to one in the 78th minute when Heartland’s Shedrack Oghali made it 2-1.
The hosts killed off any chance of a spirited comeback when Malachi Ohawuma in the 86th minute made it 3-1 to secure the maximum points and ensure his side remained unbeaten in five consecutive NPFL matches against Heartland now the first team to enter double digits in goals conceded so far this season.
In the same vein, Enyimba FC secured a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars in Aba Stadium with Iwuala Anayo and Gabriel Orok scoring in the first half while Pillars Fahad Usman curled home a beautiful free-kick to score a consolation goal in the 86th minute.
Kano Pillars have now lost in all their last five away NPFL matches against Enyimba, since a 2-2 draw in May 2012.
Other matches played saw Nasarawa Utd defeating Katsina Utd by a lone goal while Plateau Utd pummeled visiting Adamawa Utd 3-0 whose current run of nine league games without a win is the longest ongoing streak in the NPFL.
Jigawa Golden Stars played out a 0-0 draw with visiting Kwara Utd while IfeanyiUbah came back from a goal down to prevent Abia Warriors from securing their first league win.
MFM FC were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Enugu Rangers while Lobi Stars shone brightly over Dakkada FC with a 2-1 victory and Sunshine Stars defeated Warri Wolves by a lone goal.
Following the conclusion of Match Day 5, Rivers Utd remains top with 12 points closely followed by Nasarawa Utd and Lobi Stars who are on 11 and 10 points respectively.
At the base of the table is Heartland, Adamawa Utd and Abia Warriors who are on 3, 2 and 1 point respectively.
