NPFL round-up: Nwankwo nets 18th goal of the season as Rangers pick away points

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 35 as the league inches toward a pulsating ending.

Nasarawa United 4-0 Sunshine Stars

Red hot Silas Nwankwo added another brace to his amazing run of goals as he moves his tally as the NPFL leading goalscorer log to 18 goals, just five shy of Mfon Udoh’s all-time goal record in the league. Another two goals from Aliyu Abdullahi and Chigozi Obasi sealed a comfortable victory for Nasarawa United as they continue their quest for a continental ticket.

Akwa United 3-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

Akwa United kept their six-point lead at the league’s summit as they trounced relegation-threatened Jigawa Golden Stars in Uyo. A goal from the spot-kick by Ubong Friday on the stroke of halftime was followed by Charles Atshimene’s 15th NPFL goal of the season. The cherry was then added to the victory by Wisdom Fernando in the 89th minute.

Enyimba 2-1 MFM

Enyimba had to dig deep to win against MFM in Aba. It took a 93rd-minute goal from Chukwudi Omaka to secure victory after an 83rd-minute Oladayo Alabi strike pulled the away team level following Tosin Omoyele’s opening goal. The victory meant Enyimba are still a strong contender for a continental ticket next year.

Kano Pillars 1 – 0 Abia Warriors

Rabiu Ali’s penalty in the 54th minute was enough to secure victory for the Sai Masu Gida boys as they sit third on the log with a close tab on the two leaders.

Heartland 0-0 Kwara United

Kwara United eked out a goalless draw from their visit to Owerri to keep their hopes of continental football next season alive.

Warri Wolves 1-0 Wikki Tourists

Warri Wolves continue their quest to survive the fall as they edged Wikki by a lone goal. Emmanuel Ihezuo’s 14th-minute goal was enough for the vital three points.

Adamawa United 1-1 Enugu Rangers

Rangers piggybacked on the miseries of the relegated Adamawa United to earn an important away point. They took the lead through Christian Nnaji’s 75th minute goal but were pegged back by Henry Ochoba in the game’s final minutes.

Kastina United 2-0 Dakkada FC

Rasheed Amed’s brace was the difference at the Muhammadu Diko Stadium as United won two-nil.

Rivers United 2-0 Ifeanyi Ubah

Lookman Binuyo and Sunday Adetunji were on target as Rivers triumphed over the troubled Ifeanyi Ubah side.

Plateau United 0-0 Lobi Stars

It ended goalless between Plateau United and Lobi Stars.