NPFL Roundup: Kano Pillars sink further into relegation waters; Remo Stars rise to 3rd

From Aba to Akure to Katsina, nine matches were played across the country this weekend with different tales coming out of the venues

Week 28 of the #NPFL 22 came to life this weekend as eighteen teams across the country fought for points and place on the table.

Enyimba defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 on Saturday as they rose to 6th on the log. It was a case of three Samuels in the game as the players came good. Samuel Kalu and Samuel Stone scored for Enyimba while Samuel Ganda pulled on became for Lobi Stars at the death to reduce the deficit.

Relegation-battling Heartland defeated table toppers, Rivers United 2-0. Sunday Chinedu and Chijioke Mbaoma were on the scoresheet in the game.

Niger Tornadoes also defeated Gombe United 1-0 in the Northern derby.

At the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, MFM FC bounced back from their 6-1 trouncing last weekend against Rivers United to defeat relegation-threatened Kano Pillars 2-1.

Tunde Azeez opened scoring for the Lagos team before Jerry Alex leveled for Pillars. Oladayo Alabi scored the winner in the 50th minute to give the home team a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. Kano Pillars, one of the league’s best teams in the  last two decades are currently placed 19th on the log.

Super Eagles invitee Ibrahim Buhari scored his sixth goal of the season for Plateau Utd as they defeated Wikki Tourists 3-1 in Jos to close the gap on leaders, Rivers United. Jesse Akila and Ridwan Adesina got the other two goals for the former champions.

Rivers now lead Plateau Utd with just four points after 28 rounds of games.

Katsina United defeated Nasarawa 1-0 as Usman Abdallah’s boys shone through to rise up the log.

Champions Akwa United forced Sunshine to a goalless draw in Akure as Tunde Ayeni ensured Akwa got a result against his former team.

Ayeni left Sunshine Stars for Akwa United mid season and has continued the good work he showed in Akure.

In Shooting Stars’ 3-1 loss to Kwara United in Ilorin, a Detan Ogundare blooper was the highlight of the show.

Samad Kadiri, Issa Gata and former Shooting Stars midfielder, Ayobami Junior ensured Kwara United consolidated on their impressive showing so far this season.

Remo Stars climbed up to the third on the log after defeating and deposing Rangers of Enugu.

The Segun Ogunbote-directed Sky Blues got their goal through returning striker, Sikiru Alimi who scored his 30th NPFL career goal.

Dakkada will host Abia Warriors in Uyo in a Matchday 28 game rescheduled for the 25th of May.

Rivers United, Plateau United, Remo Stars and Rangers currently hold the top four spots on the log while Heartland, Dakkada, Kano Pillars and MFM are battling relegation.