At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders Rivers United defeated Bendel Insurance 3-1 on Sunday to strengthen their hold on the championship race.
Before the hosts increased the pace in the second half, the match was goalless at halftime.
Eight minutes after the restart, former league top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma broke the impasse by nodding in a corner from Iyowuna Douglas.
In the 81st minute, Douglas once more created Rivers United’s second goal by seeing Wisdom Samuel, who converted smartly to double the lead.
Bendel Insurance rallied in the 89th minute, but Samson Obi’s late goal gave the home team a decisive 3-1 victory.
With two games remaining against their nearest rivals, Rangers International, the outcome leaves Rivers United two points clear at the top.
Rangers defeated the defending champions Remo Stars 4-1 in Enugu with a merciless performance.
Early in the fourth minute, left-back Kenneth Igboke scored, and four minutes later, Chidozie Iwundu increased the lead.
Before halftime, Remo Stars’ deficit was cut by Franck Mawuena, but Rangers took the lead again in the second half. Igboke scored his second goal in stoppage time to complete a commanding victory after Wisdom Ebirim made it three in the 62nd minute.
Remo Stars, who have lost 17 games this season, are now at the bottom of the table with 30 points after 29 games.
In other news, Enyimba, the nine-time champions, lost to Warri Wolves 2-1 and fell into the relegation zone.
Ahmed Musa’s lone goal gave Kano Pillars a slim 1-0 derby victory against Barau FC in Kano, moving the former champions two points clear of the relegation zone.
Results of NPFL Matchday 29
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 Wikki Tourists Katsina United 1-2 Kwara United
Abia Warriors Shooting Stars 2-0
Barau FC 1-0 Kano Pillars Rivers United 3-1 Bendel Insurance
Remo Stars 4-1 Enugu Rangers
Warri Wolves 2-1 Enyimba Nasarawa United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau United 3-0 Niger Tornadoes Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 Bayelsa United
