Rivers United inch closer to NPFL title; Kano Pillars relegation battle and tight contest for top scorer

Matchday 34 of the Nigeria Professional Football League ended with teams clutching new realities, giants faced with the possibilities of sinking and the top scorers’ race getting fiercer

Rivers United held Rangers International of Enugu 0-0 on Saturday as the league leaders consolidated on their impressive run this season. They now lead the log with ten points over second-placed Plateau United.

Rangers, chasing an automatic European placing found it difficult to break Stanley Eguma’s at home.

On Sunday, Heartland defeated Kaduna United 1-0 but the result barely reflected on their standing on the log. The former CAF Champions League finalist are currently seated 18th on the log, in the relegation zone.

Abia Warriors also condemned Kano Pillars back to the relegation zone as they defeated the former NPFL champions 3-2 in a pulsating encounter.

Niger Tornadoes defeated Nasarawa United but are far from safe from the drop with just 40 points and sitting at 15th place.

In the Uyo derby, Dakkada defeated Akwa United 3-1 but are still in the relegation zone.

Remo Stars thrashed Lobi Stars 3-1 in Ikenne courtesy of goals from Sikiru Alimi, Tolulope Ojo, and Samuel Anakwe with Francis Odinaka getting Lobi Stars’ only goal of the game.

The win has taken Remo Stars to third on the log as they hope to nick a continental ticket.

Kwara United defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Ilorin with Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro in attendance.

Shooting Stars nicked a draw in Bauchi as they drew the curtains against Wikki Tourists before they came back to draw the Oluyole Warriors.

Plateau United were also surprised at home against Gombe United as they drew 1-1 to bid a near end to their title ambitions.

In Ijebu Ode, MFM defeated Enyimba 2-1 but remain rooted at the bottom of the log with four games to the end of the season and four points from safety.

Chinedu Akuneto and Victor Mbaoma are tied on 16 goals as they chase the top scorer’s award for the season. Mbaoma has now scored four times in two games as he continued a highly impressive season.

Akuneto has also been brilliant this season, recording the highest number of braces this season.