Smarting from a painful 1-2 loss to Enyimba mid-week, Rabiu Ali’s 77th minute strike for Kano Pillars FC ensured a win over Ikorodu FC of Lagos in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 15 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Emmanuel Edmunds had opened scoring for the home side in the 15thminute, but Yemi Olasupo restoredparity in the 13th minute.
The win sees the sai ma su gida move into second place on the NPFL log and keep-up the pressure on league leaders Rangers International of Enugu, who were held at home by Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan. Pillars now have 27 points from 15 games.
Fans of Rangers FC of Enugu had to wait till the 80th minute, before Chisom Egbuchulam converted a spot-kick. However, their joy was short-lived when Tope Orelope replied in the 90th minute in like fashion, to silence the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Awka.
Defending champs Enyimba sent their fans into frenzy at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes. Nzube Anaezemba and Ike ThankGod put the home side in front, before Bolaji Adeyemo consoled the visitors with a goal.
Meanwhile, Southern Derby between Rivers United and Warri Wolves ended in shock for the home side, when Rivers United stunned the Wolves 1-0, thanks to Benard Ovoke’s 52nd minute effort.
Monsuru Bashiru’s 69th minute own-goal condemned MFM FC to a slim 1-0 defeat, as Lobi Stars extended their unbeaten home streak to 54 games at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
Akwa United edged continued to make a point after their exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, with a 2-0 win over FC IfeanyiUbah 2-0 in Uyo, while Heartland overcame a resilient EL Kanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Anthony Oussou put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute, but, two minutes later, Daniel Japhet restored parity in the 13th minute, before Emeka Ogbu’s 23rd minute goal sealed the win.