NPFL round-up: Akwa Utd widen gap at the top as Nasarawa lose in Nnewi

A total of 18 goals were scored in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) games played on Sunday. 

TheCable looks at how teams fared across various venues on matchday 32 as the league inches towards a pulsating ending.

Akwa United 1-0 Enyimba

In Uyo, United left it extremely late against a terrific Enyimba side that has been unbeaten in the last five games in the league. It took a stoppage-time penalty from Charles Atshimene for the Kenedy Boboye-tutored side to continue their seamless home form in the NPFL this season. The victory widens the gap at the top to five points.

Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Nassarawa United

Nassarawa United suffered a crushing defeat at relegation-battling Ifeanyi Ubah. Nonso Nzediegwu put the home side ahead in the 28th minute, and Chigozi Obazi replied almost instantly for the visitors with a brilliant strike in the 30th minute. But United had no response to Uzochukwu Ifejiozor’s 71st minute strike, which eventually became the matchwinner.

Rivers United 2-1 Warri Wolves

In the Niger Delta derby at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers United came from behind to win against a Wolves side that raced to the lead in the fourth minute through Emmanuel Ihezuo. A brace from Godwin Aguda upturned the game and ensured the home team are still in contention for at least a continental place this season.

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Kano Pillars

Sadeeq Yusuff’s 59th-minute strike was the difference between relegation-threatened Sunshine and Pillars, title contenders.

Abia Warriors 2-1 Kwara United

Kwara United surrendered an early lead in Abia as Warriors picked a first win in five games. Jide Fatokun pulled them ahead in the seventh minute, but a late response from Paul Samson and Chukwuemeka Obioma in the 66th and 88th minutes, respectively, was enough for the struggling home team to take three points.

Enugu Ranger 2-1 Wikki Tourists

The two-goal lead established by Godspower Aniefok and Ugwuoke Ugochukwu in the first half could not be cancelled as Earnest Governor could only manage a consolation goal for the visitors.

Lobi Stars 1-0 Adamawa United

Nnamdi Mejuobi’s goal in the 32nd minute was the difference between both sides.

Dakkada FC 1-0 Heartland

The Owerri boys couldn’t reply to the 33rd-minute strike from Emmanuel Charles as Dakkada continued their debut season impressive run in the NPFL.

MFM 0-0 Kastina United

MFM suffered a second consecutive draw as the game against Katsina United at the Agege Stadium ended in a stalemate.

Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Plateau United

Jigawa won it extremely late against a more prodigious Plateau side. A 90-minute goal was more than enough for a vital win.