Plateau Utd, Kano Pillars stumble as Enyimba win big

Title contenders, Plateau United have faltered in their hunt to win the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League after losing 1-0 to Dakkada FC.

The hosts, Dakkada had started the game brightly but their finishing was poor missing two glorious chances within the first 10 minutes of the clash in Uyo.

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Dakkada who had lost their last two games needed the maximum to mover farther away from relegation were unable to score as the first half ended goalless.

At the restart of the second half, Plateau United made little or no effort to score and they were punished in the 61st minute with Emmanuel Charles heading home after Ekerette Udom’s initial header crashed against the bar off Etido Dan’s cross.

With a defeat staring at them, the 2017 league champions made double changes which proved futile as they succumbed to their 7th league loss.

In the other game played, Kano Pillars struggles continues as fell to a 2-1 loss to Niger Tornadoes away.

Pillars had begun the game opening the scoring in the fifth minute when the evergreen Rabiu Ali curled home the opener from a free kick at the edge of the box of the hosts.

Spurred by the early goal, Pillars kept their hosts at bay to protect their slim lead while searching for a second goal.

However, Tornadoes were not relenting in their efforts to get back into the game with several chances which they failed to take.

In the 52nd minute, they got back into the game as Jonas Emmanuel drew level with a cool finish and in the 90th minute, they were given a lifeline as Musa Wakili scored from the spot to give Tornadoes the lead to condemn Pillars to their 12th league loss to remain the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Enyimba recorded a big win against Gombe United with a convincing 3-0 win in Aba.

Emeka Obioma had put the People’s Elephant in the lead from the 6th minute and they doubled their lead in the 15th minute through Victor Mbaoma.

Fourteen minutes, Cyril Olisema ensured Enyimba moved up the table to 6th position with 38 points end the game 3-0 while Gombe United dropped down to 9th position with 35 points.