Rivers swallow Akwa United 4-1, Plateau Utd dim Sunshine 2-0

…As Kano Pillars edge Gombe United 3-1 in northern derby Rivers United and Plateau United both recorded home victories in yesterday’s NPFL week 19 matches to end the first stanza of the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football league season on high. While table toppers Rivers United walloped defending champions Akwa United 4-1 in Port-Harcourt, Plateau United […]

• …As Kano Pillars edge Gombe United 3-1 in northern derby

Rivers United and Plateau United both recorded home victories in yesterday’s NPFL week 19 matches to end the first stanza of the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football league season on high.

While table toppers Rivers United walloped defending champions Akwa United 4-1 in Port-Harcourt, Plateau United outclassed Sunshine Stars 2-0 in Jos.

Former MFM striker, Chijioke Akuneto was the hero for Rivers United as he bagged the first hat-trick of his career in the rout of Akwa United.

After leading goal scorer, Ishaq Rafiu opened the scoring in the 7th minute from the spot, Akuneto took over as he scored in the 12th, 28th and 43rd minute to put Rivers United in a comfortable lead.

Substitute Austin Osayande scored the visitors’ consolation goal in the 60th minute of the match.

In Jos, Plateau United’s Mohammed Zulkifilu scored the opener in the 22nd minute before Haggai Katoh sealed victory for the former champions with a curling free-kick in the 68th minute.

Kano Pillars also bounced back to winning ways as they edged out regional rivals, Gombe United 3-1 at their adopted home ground, Muhammadu Dikko stadium in Katsina.

Ifeanyi Eze scored Pillars opening goal in the 12th minute and doubled the lead in the 38th minute but just before the break, Yusuf Abdulazeez, pulled one back for the visitors from close range.

However, legendary Rabiu Ali’s volley in the 88th minute put the match beyond Gombe United.

In other matches played yesterday, Remo Stars hit Kwara United 3-0 in Ikenne, Enyimba forced Wikki Tourists to a 0-0 draw in Bauchi while 3SC humbled Nasarawa United 1-0 in Ibadan.

At the end of the first round, Rivers are topping the table with 42 points, followed by Plateau United on 41 points, Enugu Rangers are third with 34 points while Remo Stars leapfrogged Kwara United to place fourth with 32 points.