NPFL Wrap: Leaders Akwa United Keep Title Dreams Alive As Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United Record Wins

NPFL Wrap: Leaders Akwa United Keep Title Dreams Alive As Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United Record Wins By Our Reporter Leaders Akwa United displayed their title credentials, battling Rivers United to 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt while Heartland edged Rangers 2-1 in Okigwe, in two of NPFL match day 33 fixtures prosecuted on Sunday. Charles Atshimene put Rivers United in front on 53 minutes while Bakary Bamba struck three minutes from full time, to hand the visitors a point that might prove decisive in the title race. [caption id="attachment_51053" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Akwa United players jubilating after scoring[/caption] it The result at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, saw Akwa United maintain pole position with 61 points, three points adrift of Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars in second and third places respectively. Heartland edged Rangers 2-1 in a keenly contested Oriental Derby at Okigwe Township Stadium, with all goals scored in the first 37 minutes. Mbaoma Chijioke fired Heartland in front on 11 minutes, Elijah Ani levelled up scores in favour of Rangers on 24 minutes while Chijioke Akuneto restored the lead for the home team on 37 minutes. Despite the win, the Fidelis Ilechukwu's team remain 12th on the log with 44 points while Rangers are also unmoved in seventh position with 52 points. At Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars stunned Dakkada 2-0 , to keep their title dreams alive. Veteran Rabiu Ali opened the scoring on 38 minutes, his 12th of the campaign, which leaves him second on the scorers chart behind Nasarawa United's Silas Nwankwo, who has scored one goal more. David Ebuka doubled the lead on 40 minutes, as the home team wrapped up a crucial win in the first half. Plateau United recorded the biggest win of the round, trouncing Ifeanyi Ubah 4-0 at Jos International Stadium, with Daniel Jackson, Oche Ochewechi, Muhammed Zulkifilu and Uche Onwasoanya among the goals. The win saw the former champions move from 10th to 9th on the log with 47 points and an impressive +13 goal difference. Enyimba edged Jigawa Golden Stars 2-1 in Aba, one of many results that will prove cosmetic by season's end. Warri Wolves defeated Kwara United 1-0 in Warri, Adamawa United drew goalless against Sunshine Stars at home, Wikki Tourist edged Abia Warriors 1-0 in Bauchi while Katsina United and Lobi Stars battled to 1-1 draw at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Nasarawa United continued their push for the title and continental ticket, edging MFM FC of Lagos 1-0 at Lafia Township Stadium. Leading scorer, Silas Nwankwo scored the only goal on 15 minutes, his 13th of the campaign. The win saw them maintain second position on the log with 58 points, just three points adrift of leaders, Akwa United. ALL MATCH DAY 33 RESULTS Rivers United 1 - 1 Akwa United Enyimba 2 - 1Jigawa Golden Stars Plateau United 4 - 0 Ifeanyi Uba Nasarawa United 1 - 0 MFM Katsina United 1 - 1 Lobi Stars Adamawa United 0 - 0 Sunshine Stars Kano Pillars 2 - 0 Dakkada Heartland 2 - 1 Enugu Rangers Wikki Tourist 1 - 0 Abia Warriors Warri Wolves 1 - 0 Kwara United MATCH DAY 34 FIXTURES 21/07/2021 Jigawa Golden Stars Vs Rivers United Ifeanyi Uba Vs Enyimba MFM Vs Plateau United Lobi Stars Vs Nasarawa United Sunshine Stars Vs Katsina United Dakkada Vs Adamawa United Enugu Rangers Vs Kano Pillars Abia Warriors Vs Heartland Kwara United Vs Wikki Tourist Akwa United Vs Warri Wolves