NPFL: Kwara United stay on top, Plateau United edge Rangers

KWARA United kept their place on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table on Sunday with a 2-1 away win over Katsina United.

The Ilorin-based club netted the dramatic winner in second-half injury time through Michael Ohanu.

 Afeez Nasiru gave Kwara United the lead against their hosts in the sixth minute but Joseph Atule scored in the 30th minute for Katsina United to draw them level before Ohanu’s last-gasp strike.

Kwara United’s points total is now 33 from 18 matches.

Also on Sunday, hosts Kano Pillars retained their second position with a 2-1 win over Heartland.

Pillars had to come from behind to win with two spot kicks, the second of which was scored in the 90th minute. Chidera Eze gave visitors Heartland the lead six minutes before the break but Pillars were back level on the stroke of half-time with veteran Rabiu Ali’s penalty.

Heartland’s Shedrack Oghali was then sent off in the 81st minute to reduce the Naze Millionaires to 10 men. Nine minutes after the red card, Pillars took advantage by winning a penalty which was converted by Ebuka David.

The Kano side are level on 33 points with Kwara United, who have a superior goals difference.

Akwa United stayed in third place on Sunday with an easy 3-0 win over Lobi Stars in Uyo. Hosts Akwa United secured their win with a ruthless first-half performance which saw them score all their goals before the interval.

Former NPFL top scorer Mfon Udoh bagged a brace in the 23rd and 45th minutes after Ikechukwu Nwani’s opening goal in the 17th minute.

Lobi Stars had their goalkeeper Aliko sent off in the 90th minute for handling the ball outside his area, and outfield player Osimanga Duke had to fill in until the end of added time.

The big match of the matchday 18 evening was Plateau United’s clash with Enugu Rangers in Jos, which hosts Plateau won 2-1. 

Oche Ochowechi gave Plateau United the lead after 14 minutes but Rangers equalised through Godspower Aniefiok just two minutes later. 

Daniel Itodo scored the winning goal for Plateau United in the 68th minute as they moved up to ninth in the table with 25 points.

The biggest thriller of the evening happened in Lafia where eight goals were scored as hosts Nasarawa United defeated Abia Warriors 5-3.

In other matches in the evening, Rivers United extended Sunshine Stars’ winless streak by handing the Akure club a 1-0 defeat in Port Harcourt, while Warri Wolves defeated FC IfeanyiUbah 3-1 in Uzoro, and Wikki Tourists held their hosts Adamawa United to a goalless draw.

NPFL results 

Akwa United 3-0 Lobi Stars 

Rivers United 1-0 Sunshine Stars

Plateau United 2-1 Rangers

Nasarawa United 5-3 Abia Warriors

Katsina United 1-2 Kwara United 

Adamawa United 0-0 Wikki Tourists 

Kano Pillars 2-1 Heartland

Warri Wolves 3-1 FC IfeanyiUbah