Dolphins battled to a goalless draw at Sunshine Stars, as Enyimba and Abia Warriors settled for a thrilling 3-all draw in Umuahia on Match Day 24 of the Glo Premier League.
Leaders Kano Pillars lost some ground at the summit of the league standings after dropping all points in successive away games at Warri Wolves and Peter Ebimobowei scored a hat trick at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, as Bayelsa United continued their battle for top-flight survival with a 3-0 win over Kaduna United.
There were also wins for Lobi Stars, Akwa United, Rangers and Crown FC while Nembe City forced FC Taraba to a 1-1 draw at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.
Highpoint of Sunday’s league fixtures saw two Abia state teams finish an entertaining thriller to the delight of Nigeria League enthusiasts.
The Peoples Elephant, aiming to close gaps between them and teams at the top of the standings, came up against resilient Warriors, who ran away with a stunning 1-0 win in Aba in the the reverse fixture; the second week of the season.
The hosts got the Abia Clasico in full swing within six minutes of kick-off, when Chima Uluocha converted from the spot after an Enyimba defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Enyimba did not relent in their effort to draw level and it paid off when Michael Ibeh Okoro handled the ball inside the box, leaving Mfon Udoh to step up and convert from the spot.
Ifeanyi Onyeali retored Warriors’ lead on 22 minutes after goalkeeper Femi Thomas failed to deal with a free-kick.
Winger Uwadiegwu Ugwu delivered a superb right-footed shot from a distance into the top left side of Warriors’ goal to re-equalise for the visitors in the 30th minute.
Rashid Olabiyi’s thunderous effort from inside the box gave the six-time champions the lead for the first time, but Chikatara Chisom finished off a memorable evening for the Umuahia-based hosts.
Chisom chested down a rebound and released a powerful shot with the tip of his foot past Thomas to salvage a point for Warriors.
Enyimba and their state rivals are leveled on 27 points, but the former sits 4th on the standings by a superior goal difference.
Pillars retained the lead on the top of the log on 40 points, while Dolphins- two points adrift- chase the defending champions.
Glo Premier League Match Day 24 Results
Abia Warriors 3-3 Enyimba
Bayelsa United 3-0 Kaduna United
Sunshine Stars 0-0 Dolphins
Warri Wolves 2-1 Kano Pillars
Lobi Stars 1-0 Nasarawa United
Akwa United 1-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Heartland 2-0 Gombe United
Rangers 1-0 Giwa FC
FC Taraba 1-1 Nembe City
Crown FC 2-0 Sharks
