League leaders Enyimba Football Club edged closer to its seventh league title with a 2-0 home victory against Wikki Tourists on Sunday in the match day 31 of the Globacom Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). A brace from skipper, Chinedu Udoji in either half of the game earned the People’s Elephant the crucial victory and five points lead at the summit of the table.
Sunshine Stars bounced back to second spot following a narrow 1-0 win over Abia Warriors. Tunde Adeniji’s 14th goal of the season secured the Akure Gunners the maximum points that ensured it leapfrogged hard-fighting Warri Wolves who battled league champions, Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Sunday.
Sharks FC emerged the victor of the latest Port Harcourt derby played on Sunday with defender, Chima Akas netting the crucial goal that secured the vital points and relegation reprieve for the Blue Angels.
The defeat, however, sent Dolphins back into the relegation zone on 17th position, from the 15th spot it occupied after week 30 round of matches.
Earlier on Friday night, Akwa United hosted the League’s first ever Friday night football, beating Nasarawa United 2-0 at the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo. Goals from Aniekpeno Udoh and Yusuf Adio sealed the victory for the home side.
In Makurdi, 10 men Shooting Stars Soccer Club (3SC) battled Lobi Stars to a goalless draw.
El-Kanemi Warriors also battled FC Taraba to a 1-1 draw in Jalingo while 10 men Giwa FC also secured similar results, the fourth draw of the weekend, at Nnewi against FC IfeanyiUbah. David Sunday scored late to ensure the Jos base club share the spoils of the game.
Relegation threatened Kwara United surrendered a first half lead at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu as Rangers produced two quick goals in four second half minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Segun Alebiosu scored for Kwara United in the 44th minute with Egbuchulam Chisom equalizing on 52nd and Bobby Clement sealing the victory on 56th minutes.
The week 31 fixture between Bayelsa United and Heartland was shifted to Monday following heavy downpour at Oghara on Sunday.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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