El-Kanemi Warriors stunned Enyimba FC with 2-1 win on match day 30 of Globacom Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) but the Peoples Elephant maintains its top spot on the standing.
The six times league championship started the crucial tie which took place at the Karkanda Stadium, Katsina on the back-foot. And it took the host just eight minutes to take the lead through Benjamin Turba. El-Kanemi Warriors doubled the lead, 20 minutes later when Efe Yahere found the target.
Although, Nzube Anaezemba pulled a goal back late in the game, Enyimba could not rally back to salvage a point, as it recorded its fifth defeat of the season.
Enyimba however kept its four points lead at the top of the standings with 55 points from 30 matches as second -placed Warri Wolves lost 1-2 to Abia Warriors in Umuahia with 51 points.
Abia Warriors who started the game better, and deservedly took the lead through Henry Ochuba after four minutes. However, the Wolves rallied back and drew level through Osadiaye Joseph in the 9th minutes. But, it was the home team who stepped up their games afterwards with Ifeanyi Onyeali scoring the winning goal in the 54 minutes.
Hard-fighting Wikki Tourists of Bauchi moved up to third position after a 2-0 victory against bottom-placed Bayelsa United. Goals from from Mubarak Umar and Nafiu Ibrahim sealed the crucial victory for the Bauchi side.
The champions, Kano Pillars battled FC Ifeanyiubah to a 1-1 draw in Nnewi. Adamu Mohammed put Sai Masugida in front after 18 minutes but Meshack Chukwubuikem levelled matters for the hosts in the 83rd minute. Heartland were held to a goal-less draw by Lobi Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Dolphins FC moved away from relegation zone after a crucial 3-1 victory against struggling FC Taraba at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium.
A brace by Godbless Asamoah and Omo Johnson’s strike secured the maximum points for the Port Harcourt side while Bishop Onyeaudo grabbed the consolation for the visitors.
The win lifts Dolphins away from the drop zone as Stanley Eguma’s charges have now notched up 34 points from 30 matches.
The second Port Harcourt side, Sharks however, suffered a set back in its bid to escape relegation following a 1-0 defeat against Giwa FC at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.
Enugu Rangers’ quest for top five finish this season appears far-fetched after a 1-0 defeat against Nasarawa United on Sunday. Esosa Igbinoba’s 16 minutes goal sealed the victory for the Lafia based club.
In Ibadan, Seun Akinyemi scored the decisive goal as Shooting Stars beat Akwa United 1-0, while Sunshine Stars recorded a stunning 2-1 win over Kwara United in Ilorin on Saturday.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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