Glo Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Week 22 fixtures witnessed loads of exciting moments over the weekend as Sharks FC of Port Harcourt climbed out of the bottom zone. Despite defeat, champions Kano Pillars remain at the top with 39 points followed by Warri Wolves, Bayelsa United on 36 points and Enyimba completes the top four.
Bayelsa United 1 Kano Pillars 0.
On Saturday, Bayelsa United managed a 1-0 win over Pillars. Solomon Junior’s 78th minute winner was enough for the hosts to seal victory.
Enugu Rangers 2 Nembe 0.
Rangers completed a double over Nembe City with a 2-0 win on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes scored two goals in the second-half after Oghogho Oduokpe had missed a first-half penalty. Ugonna Uzochukwu’s rocket from 30m opened scoring before Meshack Chukwubuikem put the game beyond the visitors’ reach in the last 15 minutes.
Heartland 1 Wolves 0.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland FC returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in an encounter played without fans at the stadium. Ebere Odiche’s 18th minute goal was enough for the Nazi Millionaires to grab the maximum 3 points. The victory increased Hertland’s points to 31 from a possible 66.
Sunshine 3 Kwara 1.
Kwara United lost a thrilling encounter to Sunshine Stars, conceding three times in the space of 22 minutes- all goals a header. A double from Christain Josiah and a third from Alaba Adeniyi ensured victory for the host. Stanley Dimgba got the consolation for Kwara United before the break. Both sides fired blank in the second-half to keep scores at 3-1.
3SC 0 Dolphins 0.
In the other encounter played behind closed door, 3SC failed to get the much required win against Dolphins. A score-less draw in Ibadan means the Coach Akeem Busari-led side live dangerously in the standings, as the three-match ultimatum counts down.
Akwa 2 Lobi 1.
Justin Tengers Akwa United claimed a 2-1 win over Lobi Stars at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday. United finished the game with ten men but won the encounter courtesy of Mfon Udoh’s brace. Anthony Okpotu scored Lobi’s only goal of the day as the Uyo-based club strived to secure the hard-earned victory.
Sharks 2 Kaduna 1.
Sharks moved out of the bottom spot of the league standings with their 2-1 defeat of Kaduna United. Isaac Loute scored the opener in the 11th minute but United fought back through Emeka Akueme. Tayo Fabiyi secured victory for the Blue Angels at the stroke of full-time to help the home side to victory.
ABS 1 Gombe 0.
Saraki Boys claimed a 1-0 victory over Gombe United to lift off relegation pressure on them as they sit in the table overlooking the bottom four. Lordson Ichull’s converted a penalty in the 30th minute to earn ABS three points.
Nasarawa 1 Enyimba 1.
Nasarawa United played a 1-1 draw against Enyimba. Victor Namo gave the Solid Miners the lead but Bishop Onyeudo showed why Enyimba signed him up with an equalising goal for the People’s Elephant.
Wikki 0 El Kanemi 1 (Suspended at the 80th minute).
The match between Wikki Tourists and El Kanemi Warriors was brought to a halt with ten minutes to full-time and with the visitors maintaining a 1-0 lead. Angry Tourists fans brought the game to an abrupt end as they felt the centre referee, S.N. Okobi, should have awarded the hosts a penalty.
