NPFL: Akwa United on top as Enyimba, Pillars, Rangers drop points

AKWA United returned to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Kwara United in Uyo.

Ubong Friday’s 38th minute opener and Nasiru Jibril’s strike in the 69th minute set Akwa United on their way before Wasiu Alalade pulled one back for the visitors 10 minutes from time.

The Uyo side moved up to 45 points from 24 matches at the summit of the table, while Kwara United are fourth with 40 points and a game in hand.

Akwa United overtook Kano Pillars who could only draw 0-0 with Plateau United in Jos. Pillars also have 45 points but with an inferior goal difference to Akwa United.

Nasarawa United climbed up to third place, beating Adamawa United 1-0 in Lafia.

Ebuka Anaekwe struck in the 37th minute to settle the tight encounter and took Nasarawa United’s points tally to 42 from 24 matches.

Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, sixth and seventh respectively in the table, both played 0-0 draws and conceded ground in the battle for the top positions.

Rangers were held by their hosts FC IfeanyiUbah who are 19th, while Enyimba’s inconsistent campaign continued with a goalless affair in Aba against 10th-placed Heartland.

The Elephant, who won away last week, were wasteful, fluffing several gilt-edged chances to get the three points.

In other matches on Sunday, MFM FC of Lagos overcame visitors Dakkada of Uyo to move up to ninth, hosts Lobi Stars defeated embattled Sunshine Stars 2-1, and home side Katsina United beat Warri Wolves 1-0.

Sunday results

FC IfeanyiUbah 0-0 Rangers
Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Adamawa Utd
Plateau Utd 0-0 Kano Pillars
Enyimba 0-0 Heartland
Akwa Utd 2-1 Kwara Utd
MFM 1-0 Dakkada
Lobi Stars 2-1 Sunshine Stars
Katsina Utd 1-0 Warri Wolves