Kano Pillars have started 2024 on a winning note after defeating Plateau United 2-1 in the matchday 17 of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures Sunday.
Plateau United’s Albert Hilary had opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the first half but in the 75th minute, Haruna Abdullahi equalised to make it 1-1.
With the game seeming to end in a draw, Abdullahi Musa had other ideas as he scored the winning goal in the 86th minute to secure all maximum points.
Similarly, Sporting Lagos recent woes continued as they lost 2-0 to defending champions, Enyimba in Aba. Ekwutoziam Eze had scored in the 32nd minute with Elijah Akanni in the 93rd minute killing off any hope of the visitors to share points.
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In another game, Akwa United defeated visiting Abia Warriors 3-1 in Uyo.
The visitors had stunned the hosts with Emmanuel Onu scoring in the 28th minute. Stunned by the goal, Akwa United responded swiftly with Saidu Mubarak and David Philip scoring in the 41st and 42nd minute respectively while Mohammed Hadi secured the game in the 57th minute when he scored from the penalty spot.
Elsewhere, Lobi Stars defeated hosts, Kwara United 2-0 with Godwin Oshagbemi scoring an own goal and Stanley Oganbor getting the second goal in the 42nd minute.
In Niger, Heartland returned to losing ways as they lost 3-2 to Niger Tornadoes.
Akintunde Azeez, Hussaini Mohammed and Sadiq Isyaka scored for the hosts while Clement Ogbobe and George Jenom were on the scoresheet for Heartland.
Remo Stars returned to the summit of the NPFL table after defeating Sunshine Stars in a southwest derby 2-0 while Gombe United held Rivers United to a 1-1 draw. Shooting Stars defeated Bayelsa United by a lone goal.