With the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)'s penultimate weekend in full swing, Rivers United were the kings of Saturday's fixtures.
There were goal fests in Port Harcourt and Lafia, as well as a dominant display by Katsina United against Doma United.
Plateau United dropped points at home to Kano Pillars, while Heartland edged out Niger Tornadoes by a solitary goal in Owerri.
NPFL MD 37: Saturday's results
Here is a comprehensive review of Saturday’s Match-day 37 fixtures:
Lobi Stars vs. Kwara United
In Lafia, fans were treated to a seven-goal thriller as Lobi Stars came from behind to defeat Kwara United 4-3 at the Lafia City Stadium. Kwara United raced to a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes, with goals from Emmanuel Ogbole and Anthony Omaka, seemingly setting the stage for a disappointing home finale for Lobi Stars.
However, the tide turned quickly. Four minutes after Omaka’s goal, Lobi pulled one back through a Waheed Adebayo penalty. By the 25th minute, Francis Odinaka had equalised for the hosts.
The second half saw more fireworks as Kwara went ahead again through Garba. Lobi Stars, however, rallied with another penalty, converted by Alao Danbani, and a decisive goal from Suur Kumaga to clinch a highly entertaining victory.
Plateau United vs. Kano Pillars
In Jos, Plateau United drew 1-1 with 10-man Kano Pillars in a fiercely contested match. Despite being reduced to ten men after Salisu Mustapha's early dismissal, Kano Pillars looked the better side.
Veteran midfielder and captain Rabiu Ali put Pillars ahead in the 62nd minute, beating the advancing John Amah in goal for Plateau United.
The lead was short-lived as Daniel Itodo’s trademark long throw was converted by Samuel Pam just two minutes later.
Pillars had several more chances to regain the lead but squandered them, while Plateau’s late rally yielded no further goals.
Katsina United vs. Doma United
Katsina United cruised to a 2-0 victory over Doma United in Katsina, pushing the Gombe side to the brink of relegation.
Goals from Olasupo in the first half and midfielder Azeez Falolu in the second half sealed the win for Katsina United. This result leaves Doma United third from bottom and facing a tough battle to stay in the league.
Heartland vs. Niger Tornadoes
Despite their relegation, Heartland of Owerri put on a commendable performance to defeat Niger Tornadoes 1-0. Chukwudi Esobe was the hero, netting the decisive goal in the 18th minute.
The victory, though a consolation, showcased Heartland’s fighting spirit in front of their home fans as they finished their home games in the NPFL with a win. They begin next season in the NNL.
Rivers United vs. Gombe United
Already relegated Gombe United suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Rivers United in Port Harcourt. Shedrack Asiegbu scored a first-half brace, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Rivers United added four more goals in the second half, with Kazie Enyinnaya, Andy Okpe, and youngster Seifeya Jackson, who bagged a brace, all getting on the scoresheet.
This emphatic win allowed Rivers United to end their home campaign on a high note, much to the delight of their supporters.
As the league heads into its last round of fixtures, the battle for positions, both at the top and bottom of the table, remains fiercely contested.
Sunday's results
Rangers International have clinched the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League title after a decisive 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in Enugu.
The win was cemented by goals from Kenechukwu Agu in the 33rd minute and Chidiebere Nwobodo in the second half, securing the championship for Rangers with a game to spare.
This triumph was further sweetened by the fact that their nearest rivals, Remo Stars, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sunshine Stars in Akure.
Remo Stars' loss in Akure came after a thrilling match where Chinedu Nwosu scored twice for Sunshine Stars.
The Ikenne side managed to pull one back with a penalty from youngster Ahmed Akinyele, but both teams ended the match with ten men in a highly charged encounter.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Shooting Stars 2-1.
Christian Pyagbara had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute, but Shooting Stars were reduced to ten men when Adeleye was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Bayelsa capitalized on their numerical advantage, with John Bassey scoring twice, including a stoppage-time winner.
Sporting Lagos significantly improved their chances of avoiding relegation with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Enyimba at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Despite missing an early penalty, Junior Lokosa managed to put Sporting ahead before the break. Enyimba equalized through a Chijioke Mbaoma penalty, but a defensive error by Pascal Eze allowed Jonathan Alukwu to secure the win for Sporting Lagos, taking them to 46 points with one game remaining.
Abia Warriors also enjoyed success, defeating Akwa United 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Sunday Megwo was the hero, scoring a goal in each half to ensure the home side collected all three points. Akwa United, on the other hand, will need to win their final match in Uyo to avoid relegation.
This season has been a rollercoaster for many teams in the Nigeria Premier Football League, with dramatic matches and pivotal moments shaping the final standings.
Rangers International's triumph marks their first league title since 2016, a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season.
As the final round of matches approaches, teams at both ends of the table will be fighting fiercely, either to secure their status in the league or to finish the season on a high note.
