The league gets interesting and continues to favour the Pride of Rivers, who have never relented in showing resilience this season. With nine games to wrap up the league, the Port Harcourt-based club requires seven wins to claim their first-ever NPFL title. The team was merged in 2016 from former defunct Dolphins FC and Sharks FC and have then plied their trademark in CAF and Nigerian Professional Football League.
Meanwhile, MFM FC has continued to strive on the log, losing 15 matches this season, the most after Dakadda (16). They are likely to survive the bottom of the log with 9 games to still compete for before the end of the season.
Round 29 featured during the weekend, with ten games in action. Ten games were played across the federation on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Eight home wins, two draws, and a total of nineteen goals were scored.
Kano Pillars 3-1 Heartland
Pillars took advantage of Vulnerable Heartland to move a bit higher from the relegation zone over the weekend. The Sai Masu Gida boys put three past Heartland, despite Rabiu Ali missing from the spot-kick just before half-time. Pillars and Heartland are both battling with a point separating them.
Akwa United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
The Promise Keepers maintained a narrow win over Tornadoes to move to the 5th position on the table. Mathew Etim’s late sports kick was enough to seal all three points for Deji Ayeni’s boys over Ikon Allah. Meanwhile, Ikon Allah maintained 15th place on the log.
Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars
Rivers entertained Remo at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday in their quest to earn their first-ever title. They were held by spirited Remo who almost had Rivers’ game planned pummelled. Enyinnaya Kazie came to Rivers’ rescue at the 76th minute to help them land the crucial three points. With Plateau losing, Rivers goes seven points clear on the log. Remo sits below Rangers with two points adrift.
Abia Warriors 2-0 Plateau United
Warriors dent Plateau’s’s resilient push on the NPFL log following their win over the visitors. Plateau United has gone seven points short to Rivers and would need Rivers to lose and draw at least a game before they can level up. Warriors are spotted in 13th place with 36 points.
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Dakadda
Flying Antelopes retained their CAF spot on the log with a slim win over Dakadda. Christian Nnaji scored the only goal in the encounter in favour of the Rangers at their adopted home ground, Akwa City Stadium. Dakadda remains at the second bottom last on the log.
Otherers games observed over the weekend:
Katsina 1-0 Enyimba
Shooting 0-0 MFM
Lobi Stars 0-0 Sunshine
Nasarawa 1-0 Wikki Tourist
Gombe 4-2 Kwara United
