NPFL24: Enugu Rangers maintain top spot, top teams falter

By Osaro Matthew

Enugu Rangers remain league leaders as top three sides failed to get a win after the match day 31 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

Two draws, eight home wins and 16 goals were recorded after match day 31. Eight games were played on Sunday while two games were played on Friday and Saturday.

Heartland 1-0 3SC
After getting a nod to return to Owerri on Thursday, Heartland made a glorious return to the Dan Ayiam Stadium, Owerri after defeating Shooting Stars of Ibadan by a goal to nil . Though deep in relegation waters, the Naze Millionaires will be hoping to build Friday’s victory.

Abia Warriors 1-0 Bayelsa United
On Saturday, Akwa United got the better of their counterpart at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Samuel Obi’s 84th minute finish from Paschal Nwabueze’s assist gave the home side maximum points.

Kwara United 1-0 Akwa United
It was a dramatic end to the game at Kwara State Stadium as the host scored a late winner. Emmanuel Ogbole scored for Kwara United with a minute of added time left to play.

Rivers united 2-0 Rangers
Goals from Alex Oyowah 34′ and Deputy Echeta 82′, ensured that Rivers United climb up the relegation zone and also stop league leaders, Rangers from extending their lead on the log.

Katsina United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
Abdullahi Biffo’s first game in charge of the Noisy Lagosians ended in a loss. The Changi boys took maximum points at the Mahammadu Dikko Stadium after defeating their visitors from Lagos by two goals to nil. The goals came from Andrew Idoko 36′ and Michael Ibe 65′.

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Enyimba
The Akure based side shared the spoils with the people’s elephant at the Akure Township Stadium. The draw keeps the away side second on the log as third place, Lobi Stars failed to win at home.

Lobi Stars 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Lobi Stars failed to usurp Enyimba in second place after playing a goalless draw with the Benin arsenals at the Lafia stadium. The away side Failed to take the lead in 50th minute after Sunday Anyanwu missed from the spot. The result keeps Lobi third on the log.

Kano Pillars 4-0 Gombe United
Kano Pillars midfielder, Rabiu Ali scored twice as his side put four past relegation bound Gombe United. The defeat means Gombe United remains bottom of the table with 22points and -40 goals.

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Doma United
Muhammad Hussaini scored from a direct free kick on the 13th minute, while Bashir Usman doubled the lead for the host on the 24th minute to give Tornadoes the win.

Plateau United 1-0 Remo Stars
It was a difficult game at Plateau as Remo was three points ahead of the host prior to the match.  Sunday Anthony’s 70th minute strike gave the peace boys maximum points. The victory also ensures that Plateau usurp Remo on the log with a better goal difference.