Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.
There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.
In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.
Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute
Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.
Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.
Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.
Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.
One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.
Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.
Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.
However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.
Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.
Uche Dozie