Matchday 19 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) had series of shocking results, with newly promoted Delta Force ending El-Kanemi Warriors home record, Abia Warriors securing their second away victory, while Kwara United woes continued in front of goal.
Kwara United 0-0 Rivers United.
The Harmony Boys have failed to pick a victory in four consecutive home games – with the latest being a goalless draw against visiting Rivers United on Sunday.
The rare-action packed game was overshadowed by Rivers United goalkeeper, Akande Abiodun, who proposed to his girlfriend at halftime.
Enyimba 1-1 Wikki Tourist
The Aba giant couldn’t return to winning ways in front of their home fans as relegation battlers, Wikki Tourist held them to 1-1 draw at the Enyimba Township Stadium.
The Peoples Elephant scored first when former Nasarawa United attacker, AbdulRahman Bashir converted from the spot in the thirteenth minute, but Promise Damala equalized for the visiting team with 29 minutes left to play.
Enyimba slip down to third position with 29 points, while Wikki Tourist still occupy the last relegation spot with 24 points.
Lobi Stars 1-0 Rangers
Lobi Stars made it six games without a defeat with a 1-nil victory over league leaders Rangers. Former Sunshine Stars right-back Solomon Kwambe got the only goal of the game.
The Makurdi-based side are now second on the log with 30 points, while Rangers remain top of the table with 34 points.
MFM FC 1-1 Remo Stars
Bottom-placed Remo Stars held fourth placed MFM FC of Lagos to a 1-1 draw at the Agege Township Stadium.
Victor Chidume scored first for the visitors in the 13th minute before Akanni Elijah levelled things up for the hosts in the 60th minute.
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Katsina Utd
Katsina United who have the worst record away from home in the league were edged by newly promoted Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the UniBen Sport Complex.
Adimorama Eze’s double in the 34th and 44th minutes put the host ahead, but Tasiu Lawal reduced the deficit for the visitors.
Insurance are out of the relegation zone with 25 points from 19 games while Katsina are one place and a point below them on the table.
Akwa United 1-0 Yobe Desert Stars.
Akwa United confirmed Yobe Desert Stars’ participation in the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season with a 1-0 victory over them in Uyo.
Godspower Aniefiok’s effort in the 15th minute was enough to see the ‘Damaturu Boys’ return to the lower division league next season.
Akwa United are top with 37 points while Yobe Desert Stars have 15 points on the log, ten points behind the safety zone with three games to go.
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars edged a stubborn Niger Tornadoes side 1-0 in Akure. The only goal of the game was scored by Chibundu Amah in the 66th minute, assisted by Fuad Ekelojuoti.
Plateau United 2-1 Nasarawa United
Plateau United limped off the danger zone with a slim 2-1 victory over visiting Nasarawa United, who opened the scores through Anas Yusuf in the 2nd minute.
The host fought back through efforts from Oche Odoba and Kabiru Umar in the 25th and 32nd minutes to ensure they got the maximum points.
Plateau United are seventh on the twelve-team log with 25 points, just a point below Nasarawa United.
Kano Pillars 2-0 Go Round
Former NPFL champions, Kano Pillars beat Go Round FC 2-0 in Kano thanks to first half goals by Auwali Ali Malam and Chris Madaki
El-Kanemi 0-2 Delta Force
Delta Force made history as the first team to defeat El-Kanemi Warriors at home in the last 1139 days.
The visitors took the lead through Ufuoma Ajamikoko’s effort in the 21st minute, while Egbo Otukhe confirmed the three points in the 97th minute.
Heartland 2-4 Abia Warriors
Abia Warriors secured their second away victory by beating Heartland in a six-goal thriller.
Nnamdi Egbujor broke the deadlock in the eleventh minute for the host, but Ibrahim Olawoyin’s double in the 24th and 59th minutes got the visitors ahead.
Jimoh Oni made it 3-1 before Fatai Abdullahi also hit the back of the net with four minutes left to play.
Chigozie Igoh got a consolation for the host in the 97th minute.
The last game of the Matchday will see Gombe United entertain FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Monday.
WEEK 19 RESULTS
Enyimba 1-1 Wikki
Kwara Utd 0-0 Rivers Utd
Lobi 1-0 Rangers
MFM 1-1 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 1-0 Tornadoes
Insurance 2-1 Katsina Utd
Akwa Utd 1-0 Yobe Stars
Kano Pillars 2-0 Go Round
Plateau Utd 2-1 Nasarawa Utd
El-Kanemi 0-2 Delta Force
Heartland 2-4 Abia Warriors
