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NPFL: Nasarawa spoil Rivers United’s party as CAFCC hopefuls Enyimba, Rangers, Remo falter

NASARAWA United played the role of party poopers today by beating champions Rivers United 2-1 in their Nigeria Professional Football League clash in Jos.

Rivers United became NPFL champions for the first time ever yesterday after their nearest chasers Plateau United lost, and the Port Harcourt side were given a guard of honour by their hosts today at their (Nasarawa’s) temporary New Jos Stadium home.

Nasarawa United were not so generous during the match though as they grabbed a late winner through Tochukwu Michael in added time.

The hosts had taken a fifth minute lead through Sunday Okereke which Rivers United substitute Sikiru Olatunbosun cancelled out in the 80th minute.

In the race for the CAF Confederation Cup ticket for next season, Remo Stars, Rangers and Enyimba all slipped up.

Third-placed Remo Stars lost 3-2 at Katsina United.

The newcomers almost snatched an away draw but they were denied by the winning goal scored in the 30th minute of an incredibly long injury time.

Tosin Omoyele scored twice for Katsina United in the 11th and 26th minutes, the second through a penalty, to give them a 2-0 lead.

Remo Stars then fought back to draw level from Sikiru Alimi’s 56th minute strike and Alameen Adegbite’s goal in the second minute of added time before the inexplicable injury time of over 30 minutes, within which Emmanuel Matthew netted the winner for Katsina United.

Fourth-placed Rangers were beaten 1-0 by Kano Pillars in Kano courtesy of Rabiu Ali’s second-half penalty, while fifth-placed Enyimba laboured to a 0-0 draw at home in Aba to South Eastern rivals Heartland.

In other NPFL fixtures today, Abia Warriors fought back from two goals down to hold Shooting Stars Sports Club to a 2-2 draw in Ibadan, as Lobi Stars defeated visiting Dakkada 1-0.

Hosts Sunshine Stars beat MFM 2-1 in Akure, the same score line with which Gombe United defeated visiting neighbours Wikki Tourists.

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