Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors recorded important away victories on Matchday 17 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, boosting their ambitions as the title race and the battle for top-half positions continued to intensify.
In Kano, Shooting Stars claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Barau FC, with Sodiq Ibrahim’s early strike in the ninth minute proving decisive. The Ibadan-based side struck early and then showed composure and tactical discipline to protect their advantage for the remainder of the contest, frustrating their hosts and securing all three points on the road.
That result moved Shooting Stars to 26 points from 17 matches, placing them seventh on the league table and keeping them firmly within touching distance of the leading contenders in what remains a tightly packed upper half.
Abia Warriors also enjoyed success away from home, edging Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 in a closely contested encounter. Suraju Lawal emerged as the hero, finding the net in the 81st minute to hand his side a valuable victory. The result further underlined Abia Warriors’ reputation this season as one of the most resilient and well-organised teams in the league.
The win lifted Abia Warriors to 27 points after 17 matches, pushing them up to fourth place and strengthening their position among the clubs still very much in the title conversation.
At the top of the table, Nasarawa United retained their lead with 31 points despite being held to a goalless draw away to Plateau United in Jos. Rivers United continue to apply pressure in second place on 30 points and still have games in hand, while Ikorodu City sit third on 28 points after maintaining their consistent form this season.
One of the standout results of the weekend came from Niger Tornadoes, who produced a dominant display to defeat El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute before Rickson Mendos struck twice late in the game to complete a convincing home win. Tornadoes now sit fifth on 26 points, level with Rangers International and Shooting Stars.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United staged an impressive comeback to beat Remo Stars 2-1. Victor Mbaoma had given Remo Stars an early advantage, but second-half goals from Fabby Clark and Emo James swung the match in Bayelsa’s favour. The victory moved Bayelsa United to 23 points, level with Warri Wolves and Enyimba, while Remo Stars remain 11th on 22 points.
Enyimba also impressed at home in Aba, overcoming Kwara United 3-1. Goals from Samuel Agu and a brace by Chidera Michael secured the points for the People’s Elephant, who climbed to eighth place on 23 points and added further congestion to the mid-table standings.
Elsewhere, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars played out a goalless draw, while Plateau United and Nasarawa United also shared the spoils in their encounter.
Kano Pillars remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 13 points, as their struggles at the foot of the standings continued after another weekend without a victory.
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