Junior Lokosa scored his 10th goal of the season as Kano Pillars beat Go Round FC 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday to secure top position in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Sai Masu Gida sits at the top of the standings with 20 points but have now played two more games than champions Plateau United who formerly occupied top spot in the table.
The hosts blew the chance to take the lead in the 29th minute when Lokosa missed from the spot.
They were awarded another penalty kick in the 57th minute when Chris Kpekpe handled Victor Dennis’ cross inside the box which was duly converted by Alhassan Ibrahim.
Lokosa finally hit the back of the net five minutes from time to double his side’s lead after he was set up by Salisu Mustapha.
The former First Bank forward has now scored 10 goals for Pillars this season.
At the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku , Abia Warriors beat Kwara United 1-0 with captain of the team Austin Obaroakpo scoring the winner in the 52th minute.
The result has put the John Obuh in another trouble, as the former Flying Eagles Coach has been placed on three-match ultimatum, starting with Abia Warriors game.
Lobi Stars moved to the second position after grabbing a 1-0 win against 10-man Heartland at the IfeanyiUbah International Stadium, Nnewi.
Samad Kadiri scored the winner in the 25th minute.
Heartland were reduced to 10 men when Fuad Ekelojuoti was sent off four minutes from time.
FC IfeanyiUbah picked their first away point of the season after they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Rivers United at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The Anambra Warriors were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute when veteran goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday hacked down Seka Pascal in the box.
Rotimi was sent off for the dangerous play with Onyekachi Chidume scoring the spot kick.
Ochefu Salefu restored parity for the home team five minutes from time, blasting home from 18 yards.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers battled to a 1-1 draw.
Ifeanyi George netted the opener in the 28th minute, while Nojeem Raji equalised for Sunshine Stars two minutes from time.
Nasarawa United also edged out Wikki Tourists 1-0 courtesy of Mohammed Suleiman’s 48th minute strike.
In the day’s other Northern derby, El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes battled to a 0-0 draw in Maiduguri.
Tornadoes played the entire second half with a man down after goalkeeper Edwin Nwakanma was sent off at half-time for assaulting a ball boy.
