NPFL: Rivers United outclass Plateau United, move closer to first title; Remo Stars hold 3SC

Rivers United opened a 10-point lead in the Nigeria Professional Football League after beating nearest challengers Plateau United 2-0 in their matchday 31 fixture in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The hosts were awarded a penalty on 32nd minutes after Chijoke Akuneto was upended inside the box.

Akuneto dusted himself up to send Suraj Ayeleso the wrong way. He scrambled home Rivers United’s second goal of the game eight minutes from time.

In the South West derby, Shooting Stars held visiting Remo Stars to a 1-1 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The hosts went behind on seven minutes with Sikiru Alimi firing home from the penalty spot.

Shooting Stars restore parity five minutes later with Emmanuel Lucky nodding home Sunday Akleche’s free kick.

In Awka, Rangers boosted their chances of securing third spot courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 win against Wikki Tourists.

Christian Nnaji nodded home Eso Archibong’s corner kick to hand Rangers the lead on 13 minutes.

Christopher John however equalised for the visitors seven minutes before the break.

Nnaji netted the winning goal for Rangers on 49 minutes.

Holders Akwa United were held to a 0-0 draw by MFM in Uyo.

Elsewhere, Chukwuemeka Obioma and Samuel Stone were on target as Enyimba pip Sunshine Stars 2-0.

At the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, Lobi Stars edged out Kwara United 3-1 to boost their survival hopes.

Chinonso Okonkwo, Olamilekan Adams and Nanen Imenger were all target for the home team, while Samuel Tiza scored for Kwara United.

FULL RESULTS

Enyimba 2-0 Sunshine Stars

Katsina Utd 2-0 Tornadoes

Lobi 3-1 Kwara Utd

Akwa Utd 0-0 MFM

Gombe Utd 3-2 Heartland

3SC 1-1 Remo Stars

Rivers Utd 2-0 Plateau Utd

Rangers 2-1 Wikki

Nasarawa Utd 2-1 Abia Warriors