RIVERS United took another big step towards winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title today with a 0-0 draw against Enugu Rangers.
With the away draw, the Pride of Rivers extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points, with the season winding down.
Stanley Eguma’s side have 71 points from 34 games, 11 points ahead of second-placed Plateau United, who have a game in hand in the 38-match campaign.
Rangers are third with 52 points, one point ahead of Enyimba in fourth place.
Enyimba have played one game fewer than their South Eastern rivals in the race for the CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
Also today in the NPFL, hosts Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 3-2 in a battle of strugglers.
Paul Samson handed the Warriors an early lead in the fourth minute but Ifeanyi Eze pulled the visitors level in the 27th minute.
Emmanuel Onu restored Abia Warriors’ lead on the stroke of half-time and Godwin Obaje gave them breathing space with their third goal in the 70th minute.
Auwalu Ali Malam reduced the advantage with four minutes left on the clock but Kano Pillars could not avoid a damaging defeat.
Abia Warriors climbed five spots to 12th in the table with the win, while Pillars got dragged into the relegation zone in 18th place.
Heartland also won 1-0 at home over Katsina United, although the Owerri side remain in relegation trouble.
Chukwudi Nwaodu scored the game’s only goal two minutes into the second half to take Heartland to 17th spot with 40 points, while Katsina United are 14th, two points better off.
In another battle for survival today, Niger Tornadoes defeated Nasarawa United 1-0 courtesy of Jimmy Abdul’s 70th minute strike.
Tornadoes rose to 15th to join one of four teams on 42 points, with Nasarawa United in 11th place on 44 points.
NPFL RESULTS
Rangers 0-0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 3-2 Kano Pillars
Heartland 1-0 Katsina United
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Nasarawa United
