Ten-man Akwa United reduced the gap between them and league leaders Lobi Stars to two points after securing a 1-0 away win against Yobe Desert Stars in a Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 23 clash in Damaturu on Sunday.
The Promise Keepers who had Ayobami Asekunowo sent off for a second bookable offence in the first half, netted the winner 14 minutes from the end through Micheal Ibe who jabbed home Matthew Etim’s cross
Abdu Maikaba’s men remain in second position in the table with 43 points.
Shedrack Oghali’s 69th minute strike condemned leaders Lobi Stars to their second consecutive defeat at Go Round FC after they had gone down 1-0 against Enyimba in a rescheduled match day 21 encounter in midweek.
Fans at the Sani Abacha Stadium were served up a thriller as hosts Kano Pillars and Rivers United battled to a 1-1 draw.
Chikere Osita nodded home the opener for Rivers United on 12 minutes after an inviting cross by Markson Ojobo.
Junior Lokosa making his return to Pillars’ starting line-up after recently spending time with the Super Eagles equalised for the home team two minutes after the break.
It was Lokosa’s 19th goal of the campaign.
Rivers United finished the game with 10 men after Musa Newman was sent off in the 77th minute.
Pillars extended their unbeaten run to seven games following the draw.
Elsewhere, champions Plateau United needed a late Saidu Salisu penalty to earn a share of the spoils against Abia Warriors in Jos.
Salisu gave Kennedy Boboye’s men the lead off a free kick five minutes after the break but Sunday Adetunji restored parity for the visitors in the 68th minute.
Abia Warriors took the lead for the first time in the game two minutes later when Samson Obi fired them ahead with his ninth goal of the campaign.
Plateau United were awarded a penalty five minutes from the end when Kabiru Ayinde fouled Tosin Omoyele inside the box but Reuben Bala’s effort was saved by Uche Okafor.
The home fans got a reprieve when their side was awarded another penalty on the dot of 90 minutes which was converted by Salisu.
Goals from Uche John (penalty) and Joseph Osadiaye helped Enyimba to beat Katsina United 2-0 at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
In other results, Sunshine Stars who handed starting spots to two of their new signings, Kunle Odunlami and Ajibola Otegbeye, beat Nasarawa United 2-0 in Akure with Jide Fatokun and Sikiru Alimi getting the goals.
It was the Owena Waves’ third win in 11 league outings against the Solid Miners.
Niger Tornadoes beat Wikki Tourists 1-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna courtesy of Mubarak Ejiogu’s 28th minute strike.
Enugu Rangers earned bragging rights over their Oriental rivals, Heartland, who they defeated 1-0 at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium courtesy of Ifeanyi George’s 24th minute effort
Chinedu Sunday’s 14th minute effort was all Kwara United needed to secure all three points against FC Ifeanyiubah in Ilorin.
MATCH DAY 23 RESULTS Kwara Utd 1-0 FCIU Tornadoes 1-0 Wikki Yobe DS 0-1 Akwa Utd Go Round 1-0 Lobi Rangers 1-0 Heartland Enyimba 2-0 Katsina Utd Sunshine Stars 2-0 Nasarawa Utd Kano Pillars 1-1 Rivers Utd Plateau Utd 2-2 Abia Warriors