Nasarawa United inflict more misery on Pillars after 1-0 win

…As Utim’s alertness saves Lobi Stars in Makurdi   Kano Pillars’ hope of surviving the drop dimed considerably after they suffered a narrow 0-1 loss at Nasarawa United who picked the maximum point in the 2022 NPFL week 37 match played yesterday in Jos. Pillars who are neck deep in relegation after the Disciplinary Committee […]

…As Utim’s alertness saves Lobi Stars in Makurdi  

Kano Pillars’ hope of surviving the drop dimed considerably after they suffered a narrow 0-1 loss at Nasarawa United who picked the maximum point in the 2022 NPFL week 37 match played yesterday in Jos.

Pillars who are neck deep in relegation after the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF deducted another three points from them following the disturbances that greeted their week 31 fixture with Dakkada in Kano desperately needed the three points against Nasarawa United to stand any chance of escaping the impending doom.

However, Nasarawa United also knew they must avoid defeat to be sure of their stay in the NPFL so the ‘Solid miners’ went all out for victory to the detriment of Pillars who have appealed the decision of the NFF O&D against them.

Emmanuel Ogbole’s solitary strike in the 68th minute of the keenly contested match sent Pillars crashing to the 18th position with a paltry 45 points from 37 matches, meaning they may still be relegated even if they win their last home match against 3SC.

 At the Aper Aku stadium, youngster, Godfrey Utim, was the hero as he reacted fastest to score Lobi Stars winning goal against Wikki Tourists after he rebounded Tony Agbaji’s miss from the spot.

Against the run of play, Nanen Barnabas Imenger jr put Lobi Stars in the 17th minute but in the 37th minute, Salisu Ibrahim drew Wikki Tourists level and grabbed his brace three minutes later to give the visitors a shocking lead..

However, on resumption, gangling Utim was brought down in the box in the 58th minute and Tony Agbaji converted the penalty kick to level the scores but when the same opportunity fell to him for the second time, he missed the target before Utim reacted quickly to smash the rebound into Wikki’s net for Lobi Stars winning goal.

The crucial victory has increased Lobi Stars chances of survival even if they lose their last away match at Abia Warriors.

Unfortunately, strugglers Heartland were unlucky as they surrendered their lead to lose 1-2 against Niger Tornadoes in Kaduna, meaning they will be relegated even if they win their last home match with Kwara United.

Meanwhile two crucial away victories were recorded as continental chasing Remo Stars edged Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Akure just as Dakkada FC recorded an important 1-0 win at Enyimba to keep hope alive.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors forced Akwa United to a 2-2 draw in Uyo, 3SC won 3-2 against Rivers United, Katsina United subdued Plateau United 2-0 to stay alive in the relegation fight, Gombe United edged Rangers 1-0 while Kwara United whipped relegated MFM 3-0 in Ilorin to keep pressure on Remo Stars in the race for the available Confederation Cup ticket.

The 2022 NPFL season will end on Sunday, July 17 with 38 matches to be played simultaneously across the country.