NPFL: Plateau United Inch Closer To Grabing Title

Plateau United are inching closer to a first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title after defeating MFM FC 1-0 in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.

The Jos club began the matchday three points clear of second-placed MFM and Ibeh Johnson’s solitary strike extended that lead at the top to six.

MFM, without Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun, who have 25 goals between them this season, had to look towards Waheed Adebayo and Austine Ogunye as their front men while their head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu left Chukwuka Onuwa on the bench throughout the match.

Three minutes after kick-off, Ibeh Johnson popped up with the goal after good work by Anayo Ogbonna.

Ilechukwu’s men found Plateau United difficult to breach despite attempts from Waheed and Ogunye, who missed a sitter in the second half.

Plateau United finished the game unflustered to take their points to 62 with four rounds of matches before the end of the season.

Remo Stars relegated

Things went from bad to worse for Remo Stars as they suffered their 19th defeat of the season. They lost 3-1 to Rivers United at home. The result leaves them relegated even if they win their remaining four matches which will only take them to 41 points.

Bernard Ovoke, Emeka Ogbugh and Esosa Igbinoba helped Rivers United race into a three-goal lead before Salefu Ochowechi netted a consolation for the Sky Blue Stars, who are now unfortunately heading back to the second tier after their first season in the top division.

Akwa Utd, Enyimba push for top-three

Akwa United and Enyimba were in spirited mood as they dispatched their opponents Niger Tornadoes and ABS with some ease.

Cyril Olisema, Gabriel Okechukwu and Edem Akakatang scored for Akwa as they romped to a 3-0 win over Tornadoes while Stanley Dimgba, Eric Frimpong and Ibrahim Mustapha accounted for Enyimba’s goals in their 3-0 success over ABS with Ikechukwu Ibenegbu providing two assists.

Katsina United turned back Wikki, hitting them 2-0. Chinedu Udechukwu and Destiny Ashadi scored first-half goals.

An own goal by Alaba Osawe and Ndifreke Effiong’s strike helped Abia Warriors down relegation-threatened 3SC 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Gombe United, Nasarawa United and Rangers all won by one-goal scorelines against Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars respectively.