Ikorodu City have moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after a 2-0 home win over Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The Lagos side are now on 41 points, level with Rivers United but ahead on goal difference, although Rivers United have four games in hand.
Joseph Arumala was the hero for Ikorodu City, scoring twice. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute and sealed the victory with a second goal in the 88th minute to complete his brace.
Nasarawa United missed the chance to go top after a 1-1 draw at home to Bayelsa United in Lafia. Victor John put Nasarawa ahead in the 7th minute, but Energy Otunuya equalised for Bayelsa United in the 37th minute, leaving Nasarawa on 41 points from 25 games and dropping them to third place.
In Aba, Abia Warriors’ poor home form continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Rangers International in an Oriental derby. Abia Warriors slipped to fifth on 39 points, hurting their top-three hopes, while Rangers stayed fourth with 40 points.
Bendel Insurance boosted their push for a continental spot with a 2-0 win over Enyimba in Benin City. The result lifted Insurance to sixth place on 37 points, while Enyimba dropped to 13th with 31 points.
Kun Khalifat secured back-to-back home wins with a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. James Ekebuike scored in the 24th minute and Blessed Iyamu added a second in the 47th minute, but Kun Khalifat still sit bottom in 20th place with 25 points as Shooting Stars fell to seventh with 35 points.
In Kano, Pillars earned a vital 1-0 win over Remo Stars to aid their survival fight. Luis Dadong scored the only goal in the 57th minute, moving Kano Pillars to 17th with 28 points, while Remo Stars remained 19th on 26 points after suffering their 15th defeat of the season.
El-Kanemi Warriors held Warri Wolves to a goalless draw in Ozoro after soaking up heavy pressure. El-Kanemi climbed to eighth with 35 points, while Warri Wolves are 10th with 34 points.
There was late drama in Bauchi where Wikki Tourists and Katsina United drew 3-3 before the match was stopped in the 78th minute due to crowd trouble. Jonathan Mairiga, Jibrin Nasiru from the penalty spot, and Ibrahim Shuaibu scored for Wikki, while Uche Collins netted a hat-trick for Katsina United, and the game will be completed today.
Plateau United grabbed a late 1-0 win over Kwara United in Jos thanks to an 88th-minute goal from Sadiq Yusuf. Plateau United are now 12th with 33 points, while Kwara United remain 18th with 27 points after playing the last half hour with 10 men following the sending off of Mustapha Salisu.
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