Former champions Akwa United boosted their chances of escaping relegation this season after they recorded their first away win of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, beating 10-man Kwara United in Ilorin, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Two goals in either half from Kabiru Osoba and Uche Sebastine did the job for coach Kennedy Boboye’s side as they moved to the 17th place in the table and two points away from safety.
Kwara United were reduced to 10 men 24 minutes into the game when defender Segun Adekunle was given a straight red for a foul.
The visitors capitalised two minutes later with Osoba firing them in front from a follow-up.
The Promise Keeper added the second with 17 minutes from time courtesy of Sebastine, sealing their first win on the road this campaign.
In Port Harcourt, former champions Rivers United closed in on leaders Remo Stars, with a 1-0 win over new boys Ikorodu City.
Finidi Gerorge’s men needed a stoppage-time winner by central defender Stephen Manyo for them to edge over their resilient visitors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The Pride of Rivers with 52 points from 30 games are now five points behind Remo Stars, whose away tie at Lobi Stars was postponed.
In an Oriental Derby, Abia Warriors sent Heartland back into the relegation zone courtesy of a 1-0 away win.
Ojonugwa Adejoh’s free kick on 81 minutes gave Abia Warriors the full points in Owerri, giving them a shot to the third place with 47 points, five points behind second-placed Rivers United.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars ended their run of seven games without a win and moved back into contention for a continental ticket with a 3-1 win over Niger Tornadoes.
Katsina United were truly at home after they trounced El Kanemi 3-0, while Enyimba were held by visiting Bayelsa United to a 1-1 draw in Aba.
