Rivers United stopped Plateau United from their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title celebration as they held the home team to a 1-1 draw.
The result meant Plateau kept their spot at the top of the NPFL for the 32nd match day this season.
Rivers United were in danger of running into relegation trouble if they had lost at Plateau but last season’s runners-up got off to the best possible start when Emeka Ogbuh scored from Zoumana Doumbia’s pass on 14 minutes to leave the home fans stunned.
Rotimi Sunday between the sticks for Rivers United was impressive as he denied Plateau United several scoring chances.
Emma James, who has not missed a spot kick this season, blew an opportunity to draw Plateau level in the 81st minute when he blasted a penalty kick over the woodwork.
Peter Eneji would later save Plateau United the blushes on 89 minutes when he netted the equaliser.
Plateau United now have 63 points, four more than second-placed MFM FC who lost 1-0 at Abia Warriors. Arinze Nwangwu’s headed goal was enough for the Umuahia club to get their 14th win of the season.
The race for third place got interesting as Enyimba hit four past Wikki Tourists. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Stephen Chukwude, Chinonso Okonkwo and Stanley Dimgba all scored for Enyimba who are now tied on points and goal difference with third-place Akwa United on 57 points. Akwa however has better goals scored following their 2-1 defeat of Lobi Stars on Friday.
Enugu Rangers finally secured for themselves top flight football next season with a 2-1 win at Remo Stars. Bobby Clement scored both goals before Akeem Taiwo got the consolation goal for the home team.
Elsewhere, Musa Usman’s brace gave Gombe United a 2-1 win over ABS in a relegation battle just as Wasiu Alalade got the Saraki Boys’ goal.
Two goals from the spot by Chinedu Udechukwu helped Katsina United to a 2-0 win against Sunshine Stars while Adamu Hassan scored the only as Nasarawa United ran out 1-0 winners against Kano Pillars.
A late goal by Abayomi Adebayo ensured 3SC got a point in Maiduguri against El-Kanemi to brighten their chances of escaping the drop. The game ended 1-1. Babangida Ibrahim scored for El-Kanemi.
The game between Niger Tornadoes and FC Ifeanyiubah did not finish due to heavy rainfall. FC Ifeanyiubah was leading 1-0 as at half time through King Osanga’s goal. The game will be concluded this (Monday) morning.
