By Aderonke Ojo
Nasarawa United continue to set the pace at the top of the league table, showing grit and composure on the road as they held relegation-threatened Plateau United to a goalless draw in Jos. The Solid Miners did just enough to protect their lead, grinding out a result that underlined their title credentials.
In Kano, Shooting Stars (3SC) maintained their growing reputation as road warriors. After picking up a point against Kano Pillars earlier, the Oluyole Warriors went a step further by deepening the woes of newcomers Barau FC. A ninth-minute strike from Sodiq Ibrahim proved decisive, sealing a priceless away victory in the land of the groundnut pyramids and highlighting Barau FC’s harsh baptism into life in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors finally brought an end to their five-game winless run, handing Kun Khalifat a harsh lesson on the gulf between the lower leagues and the top flight. Just when the visitors looked set to escape with a point, Suraj Lawal struck in the 82nd minute to hand the “Umu Chineke Boys” a much-needed victory.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes were simply too hot to handle for El-Kanemi Warriors. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute before Rickson Mendos sealed the win with a late brace in the 79th and 83rd minutes.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars secured a valuable away point in Warri after battling to a 0–0 draw against Warri Wolves.
Remo Stars’ yo-yo form continued in Yenagoa. Despite Victor Mbaoma giving the Sky Blue Stars an early lead in the 14th minute, goals from Fabby Clark in the 59th minute and Emo James five minutes later turned the game on its head, handing the Bayelsa-based side maximum points.
At Aba, the People’s Elephant, Enyimba, showed signs of revival following the sacking of Stanley Eguma. Newly appointed coach Deji Ayeni wasted no time stamping his authority as Enyimba produced an impressive 3–1 victory over in-form Kwara United. Samuel Agu opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Chidera Michael struck twice in the 59th and 62nd minutes. Toheeb Gidado’s 31st-minute effort proved only a consolation for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Insurance FC failed to build on their impressive away win, as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home by visiting Rangers International.
The title race remains tight, the relegation battle fierce, and the drama—very much alive