Rivers swallow Plateau Utd 2-0 to open 10-point lead

• …As Lobi disarm ‘Afonja Warriors’ 3-1 in Makurdi

League leaders, Rivers United have again shown their intention to win the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title after they defeated closest rivals, Plateau United 2-0 yesterday in Port-Harcourt to open a 10-point lead at the top of the table.

Goal poacher, Chijioke Akuneto put the hosts ahead from the spot for his 13th goal of the season in the 33rd minute as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Rivers United.

Akuneto then wrapped up victory for his side in the second half with a brace eight minutes from regulation time.

It was sweet revenge for the ‘Pride of Rivers’ whose first defeat of the 2022 season was the 0-1 loss they suffered in the reverse fixture in Jos.

Rivers United now have 67 points from 31 matches while Plateau United are second with 57 points from the same number of matches played so far.

In Makurdi, Lobi Stars kept aside their recent troubles as they shone brightly with two second half goals in eight minutes to outclass Kwara United 3-1.

After missing from the spot, Chinoso Okonkwo opened the scoring for Lobi Stars in the 21st minute but home boy Tiza Samuel’s header levelled scores just before the end of the half.

However, substitute Olamilekan Adams restored Lobi Stars’ lead in the 47th minute before Barnabas Imenger scored the third in the 55th minute for the ‘Pride of Benue’ to keep survival hopes alive.

Elsewhere, Enyimba’s hopes of continental ticket got a boost after defeating Sunshine Stars 2-0 in Aba, Enugu Rangers defeated Wikki Tourists 2-1 in Awka to hold on tight to the third position while MFM continued with their steady movement away from the drop zone after a crucial 0-0 draw at title holders Akwa United.

However, Heartland sunk deeper into relegation after they were beaten 3-2 by Gombe United at the Pantami stadium while Remo Stars’ continental dreams suffered a setback after settling for a goalless draw with 3SC in Ibadan.

Katsina United also moved further away from the relegation Zone with a convincing 2-0 win against Niger Tornadoes just as Nasarawa United overpowered Abia Warriors 2-1 in Jos.

The remaining week 31 fixture between Kano Pillars and Dakkada is scheduled to be held on June 15 in Abuja.