THE Nigeria Professional Football League title race intensified on Monday as the frontrunners picked crucial wins.
Leaders Rivers United outclassed Niger Tornadoes 3-0 in Port Harcourt, while second-placed Plateau United edged out Remo Stars 1-0 in Jos.
The prolific Ishaq Rafiu opened the scoring for Rivers United in the 31st minute and Nyima Nwagua made it 2-0 just two minutes later.
Konan Ruffin Ngouan rounded off the win in the 80th minute as Rivers United kept their four-point gap at the top of the standings.
At the New Jos Stadium, Buhari Ibrahim broke Remo Stars’ resistance in the 53rd minute to keep Plateau United within touching distance of Rivers United.
As things stand, Rivers United lead the way with 55 points, four ahead of Plateau United, with Rangers a distant third with 41 points, one ahead of fourth-placed Remo Stars.
Also on Wednesday, in the battle of struggling giants in Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club eased past Enyimba 2-0.
Moses Omoduemuke and Emmanuel Lucky struck in the first half to keep 3SC in 11th place with 33 points, two spots and two points behind Enyimba.
In the other NPFL clash on Monday evening, hosts Wikki Tourists and Heartland played out a goalless draw.
Wikki Tourists are 10th, while Heartland are in 17th place, the last relegation spot.
