By Monica Iheakam
Akwa United yesterday recorded their first league victory over Enyimba Fc of Aba with a slim 1-0 win in Uyo, even as MFM FC closed in on league leaders Plateau United with a hard fought 2-1 victory against ABS on Matchday 27 of the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Musa Newman stole the show for Akwa United with his 15th minute strike to halt Enyimba’s five games uneaten run thereby setting back the Peoples Elephants title hopes.
Austine Ogunye put MFM 1-0 up after converting a 17th minute penalty following a foul on NPFL top scorer Stephen Odey inside the ABS box.
Sikiru Olatunbosun doubled MFM’s lead in the 61st minute before Wasiu Alabi got a goal back for ABS, but MFM held on to secure the win.
ABS have now lost 10 straight away games in the league this season.
The win means MFM remain second in the league table on 46 points but just two points behind leaders Plateau United.
In Maiduguri, Plateau United’s title hopes took a big hit after they lost 1-0 to title rivals El-Kanemi Warriors.
The only goal of the game was scored in the 95th minute by Sunday Anthony which means El Kanemi moved up from fifth to fourth in the league table.
Despite the defeat, Plateau United maintain top spot on the log on 48 points.
In Uyo, Enyimba’s slim title hopes also received a setback as they lost 1-0 to Akwa United.
It was Enyimba’s first league defeat to Akwa United after going unbeaten in their last five games against the Uyo-based side.
Musa Newman was the hero for Akwa United as he scored in the 15th minute to give his team the win.
Akwa are now third on 43 points in the NPFL table.
At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Shooting Stars gave their fight against relegation a big lift after beating Wikki Tourist 2-0.
Two first half goals from Ibrahim Ajani and Bode Daniel in the 29th and 42nd minutes respectively gave the Fatai Amoo-led side the much needed win.
In Makurdi, champions Rangers’ five-game unbeaten run came to an end as they were defeated 3-1 by Lobi Stars.
Ezekiel Mba opened the scoring for Lobi on 28 minutes from the penalty spot.
On the stroke of halftime, Kingsley Eduwo made it 2-0 to Lobi Stars.
With five minutes left, Anthony Okpotu scored to make it 3-0 before Daniel Etor’s 91st minute strike for Rangers ended the game 3-1.
Okpotu’s goal was his 10th of the season for Lobi Stars.
In other matchday 27 games on Sunday, Godwin Obaje got his 10th goal of the season as FC IfeanyiUbah beat visiting Katsina United 2-0, Niger Tornadoes compounded Remo Stars’ relegation woes with a 1-0 win in Minna, Abia Warriors lost 1-0 to Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode, while Nasarawa United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Gombe United.