Rangers International and Akwa United kept their places at the summit of Groups A and B respectively, as MFM FC were held to a goalless draw at home by Lobi Stars.

Rangers came into the matchday without defeat in 10 consecutive NPFL fixtures, hoping to consolidate on their present form against Sunshine Stars who have enjoyed some good stint at home. Ivorian Pascal Seka put the Enugu side in front on 29 minutes, before Anthony Omaka drew level three minutes later.

Seka would get his brace just before the break, while Nana Bonsu denied Franklin Sasere from the spot in the 72nd minute, to guarantee the Flying Antelope’s eight consecutive game without defeat.

At the Agege Stadium, Kelly Kester’s goalline clearance ten minutes from time proved important for Lobi Stars as they held MFM FC to a barren draw. The Lagos-based side slipped to third on the log.
Cletus Emotan’s 67th minute effort could not salvage anything for Rivers United, as Tasiu Lawal and Usman Barau scored in the 18th and 51st minute to help Katsina United to a 2-1 win at home.

Enyimba moved back to second spot with a 2-0 win against Kwara United. Stanley Dimgba got both goals for the seven-time champions in the second and 73rd minute.

Niger Tornadoes were 2-0 winners at home to visiting Wikki Tourists, while the game between Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars decided a day earlier finished goalless.

In Group B, Akwa United produced a stunning performance in the absence of Mfon Udoh for a second consecutive game, with a 3-0 thumping of Kano Pillars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Ndifreke Effiong (17 minutes), Emmanuel Charles (52 minutes) and Kodjovi Dadzie (90 minutes) were the scorers.

At the Maiduguri stadium, Anthony Yeful’s 65th minute goal proved vital for El-Kanemi Warriors as they overcame a resolute Plateau United. El-Kanemi are in second place behind Akwa United while Plateau slip to 11th place on the log.

Ibrahim Olawoyin’s strike nine minutes from stoppage time helped Abia Warriors secure a win at home to Yobe Desert Stars, while Chukwudi Samuel scored on 70 minutes, to guide Gombe United to a similar result at home to Delta Force.

In Nnewi, Uche Ihuarulam’s brace put Go Round FC to the sword, as FC Ifeanyiubah closed in within a point of Akwa United and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Nnamdi Egbujor, Chukwudi Nwaodu and Joshua Akhanbue were the scorers as Heartland defeated Nasarawa United 3-1. Sunusi Ibrahim got the Lafia side’s only goal.