Pillars, Nasarawa slip as Akwa Utd open five-point gap

Title chasing Kano Pillars and Nasarawa slipped in their hot pursuit of Akwa United as they both suffered slim away defeats on Sunday, same day the ‘Promise Keepers’ defeated Enyimba 1-0 in Uyo to open a five-point gap at the top of the table.

In the week 32 matches played yesterday, Akwa United left it late to beat rivals Enyimba 1-0 after Nelson Ogbonoaya upended Mfon Udoh for the resultant penalty that was converted by Charles Atshimene in the 90th minute.

Meanwhile, second placed Nasarawa United fought hard but went down 2-1 at FC IfeanyiUbah after Nonso Nzediegwu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Chigozie Obasi equalised with his free-kick goal in the 34th minute.

However, Uzochukwu Ifejiofor sealed victory for the ‘Nnewi millionaires’ in the 70th minute.

Although Kano Pillars also fell 1-0 at Sunshine Stars, they remain in third position with 55 points while Enyimba have dropped to fifth place after Rivers United fought back to beat Warri Wolves 2-1 to sneak into top four on the table.

In Aba, Kwara United suffered setback in their title chase as they lost 2-1 to Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars turned back Adamawa United 1-0 in Makurdi, Katsina United continued with their fine run in Lagos where they held MFM to a barren draw while Rangers survived Wikki Tourists’ scare to win 2-1 at the ‘Cathedral’.

At the Ahmadu Bello stadium, Jigawa Golden Stars also left it late to beat Plateau United 1-0 to keep their hopes of survival alive.

Dakkada FC had recorded a slim 1-0 win over Heartland in the opening match of week 32 on Saturday in Uyo.