Rivers United kept their Nigeria Premier Football League title aspirations alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Remo Stars on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
David Sholumade emerged as the match-winner, finding the net just six minutes from full time to seal three points for the hosts.
The result trims Remo Stars’ lead at the top of the table to five points and reignites the title race.
Elsewhere, Enyimba claimed bragging rights in the Eastern derby after a closely contested 2-1 win against rivals Abia Warriors.
The match sparked to life in the 20th minute when Ijoma Desouza handed Enyimba the lead.
Abia Warriors responded, but it was Kalu Nweke and Joseph Atule who provided the decisive goals, securing a significant win for the nine-time NPFL champions.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United boosted their survival hopes with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Akwa United.
Leonard Ugochukwu opened the scoring as early as the second minute, and Abubakar Garba struck five minutes from the end to make sure of the result.
The victory lifts Nasarawa out of immediate danger and gives them a platform to build on in their battle against relegation.
Niger Tornadoes also enjoyed a productive afternoon, easing past El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0.
Goals from Mohammed Hussaini and Ahmed Family sealed the result for the hosts, keeping their mid-table ambitions on track.
Lobi Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sunshine Stars in a tightly fought contest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Ahmadu Liman struck first for the visitors in the ninth minute, but Johnmark Atule responded ten minutes into the second half to salvage a point for the home side.
Meanwhile, in Jos, Plateau United and Kwara United played out a goalless stalemate in a match where both sides failed to convert their limited chances.
Full Results:
- Enyimba 2-1 Abia Warriors
- Katsina United 1-1 Bayelsa United
- Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars
- Nasarawa United 2-0 Akwa United
- Niger Tornadoes 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
- Plateau United 0-0 Kwara United
- Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars
With the league entering a decisive stretch, Rivers United’s win over the leaders sets up a compelling title chase in the weeks ahead.
