Goals in each half from Kingsley Eduwo and Tunde Adeniji enabled Sunshine Stars record a 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United at the Akure Stadium on match day 17 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The win also guaranteed the Akure Gunners top spot on the league standings for at least another match day.
Eduwo struck early – inside the opening 60 seconds – as the leaders signalled their intent in front of vociferous home support in the opening stages in a routine performance on Sunday.
Adeniji’s well-taken effort, 21 minutes from time, made the points safe and the Akure club have now amassed 33 points from 17 matches.
Wikki Tourists remain on the coattails of Sunshine Stars after recording a hard-fought 2-1 win over El-Kanemi Warriors in Bauchi.
The Tourists raced to a two-goal lead following goals from Mubarak Umar and Chukwudi Samuel either side of the break.
Sunday Adetunji’s 84th minute goal for the visitors meant there were some nervy final minutes at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
Wikki however closed out the win and remain a point adrift of the leaders, Sunshine Stars.
Six-time champions, Enyimba lost valuable ground in the title race after they lost 1-2 to Warri Wolves in an explosive game at the Warri City Stadium.
Super Eagles striker, Gbolahan Salami opened the scoring for Wolves with a fiercely-struck free kick on 43 minutes.
The Peoples Elephant are, however, made of stern stuff – having gone nine matches unbeaten before the fixture – and got back on level terms straight from the restart through Christian Obiozor.
It was Obiozor’s fourth goal in five matches for the Aba club as he settles in rapidly following his rather controversial stint at champions, Kano Pillars.
Enyimba’s joy was, however, shortlived as the hosts claimed the winner in the 65th minute through Abu Azeez whose sweet curling effort from the edge of the box left the visitors’ goalkeeper with little chance.
Heartland are now fourth on the standings following a 3-1 win over Dolphins in Nnewi.
Collins Nwaneri put the home side in front after just four minutes following a shocking piece of goalkeeping by the Dolphins’ goalkeeper, Godwin Anyalogu.
Dolphins, however, cranked up the pressure and got their due reward on 53 minutes through Godbless Asamoah.
Late goals from Bright Ejike and Emeka Ogbugh, however, sent the home support into raptures with Dolphins’ relegation woes compounded on the other hand. Asamoah ended the evening being sent off.
Heartland are now just a point adrift of third-placed Enyimba FC on the log.
Sharks moved off the bottom of the standings after posting a truly stunning result in Illorin.
Christian Pyagbara struck in the first half as the Blue Angels beat Kwara United to record only their second victory of the season.
Sharks’ former coach, Gbenga Ogunbote continues to do impressive things at 3SC as he guided the Oluyole Warriors to a convincing 3-0 win over Giwa FC in Ibadan.
Ajani Ibrahim – the undisputed star of the show – netted twice while Najeem Olukokun scored the other as Ibadan-based side won at a canter.
FC Ifeanyiubah claimed a priceless away point after a gutsy performance in Lafia against Nasarawa United. The game finished 1-1.
Esosa Igbinoba fired home a fearsome free kick in the 12th minute to give the hosts an early lead but Bright Onyedikachi hit back with an exquisite free kick of his own to guarantee his side a share of the spoils.
Set-piece specialist, Ndifreke Effiong curled home a delightful free kick for Abia Warriors in the stand out moment of the 3-1 win over FC Taraba at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Effiong also scored with a stunning header while Valentine Nwabili also added a goal scoring contribution as Abia Warriors claimed important points at home, reports supersport.com.
The visitors’ consolation was supplied by Ibrahim Sanusi, midway into the first period.
Champions, Kano Pillars continued to struggle and capitulated to yet another defeat after a limp performance in the 0-1 defeat to Akwa United at the Nest of Champions.
Ukeme Davies’ 18th minute strike proved to be decisive as Sai Masu Gida was put to the sword at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
Enugu Rangers continue to impress under youthful coach, Imama Amapakabo; winning 3-1 against Lobi Stars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Efforts by Matthew Etim and Godwin Aguda plus an unfortunate Shehu Nasiru own goal ensured Obioma Arinze’s effort for Lobi counted for nothing more than mere consolation.
The win means the Flying Antelopes are now up to eighth on the log with 26 points from 17 matches.
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