...As Atshimene’s brace keeps Akwa United on top

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa bagged an assist on Kano Pillars return as he inspired the ‘Masu gida’ boys to a hard fought 1-0 victory over stubborn Adamawa United in the 2021 NPFL week 21 match played yesterday at the Ahmadu Bello stadium Kaduna.

It was Ahmed Musa’s debut for Kano Pillars after he signed a short-term loan deal in April with the club he last played for in the 2011/2012 NPFL season.

After a scoreless first half, the former CSKA Moscow and Leicester City striker set up Rabiu Ali with an inch-perfect through pass and ‘Pele’ in turn finished off the move with a ferocious left foot in the 80th minute to make amends for his missed penalty kick earlier on.

The slim victory has kept Pillars in second place with 40 points, a point above Kwara United who defeated Plateau United 2-0 to move to third spot with 39 points.

Akwa United who were among the four teams that recorded away victories benefitted from Charles Atshimene’s brace (11th minute and 48th minute) to win the ‘Uyo derby’ against Dakkada FC to stay top of the table with 40 points and super goal difference.

Rivers United, Nasarawa United, MFM are the other clubs that recorded away victories.

At the Tafawa Balewa stadium Bauchi, Manu Garba put Wikki Tourists ahead in the 22nd minute but Anas Yusuf equalised for Nasarawa United in the 33rd minute before Silas Nwankwo scored the winner for the visitors a minute into the second half.

In Enugu, Godwin Aguda’s solitary strike in the 8th minute was all Rivers United needed to pick the maximum points against Rangers.

Struggling MFM of Lagos also shocked Warri Wolves 2-0 in Ozoro just as Ossy Martins and Monday Akile scored a goal each at the Aper Aku stadium to hand Lobi

Stars a 2-0 win over relegation threatened FC IfeanyiUbah.

Sunshine Stars and Jigawa Stars fixture in Akure ended in a barren draw.

And after humiliating Wikki Tourists 5-1 last Sunday, Katsina United travelled to Okigwe where they were handed a 2-0 defeat by Heartland.