Abia Warriors and Rivers United missed the chance to topple Enugu Rangers at the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League who finished as both sides suffered defeats in their matchday 19 fixtures on Sunday.
A win for either side could have seen them move to the top position in the table after Rangers were held to a barren draw by Oriental rivals, Heartland in Enugu on Friday, but they were unable to grab the chance.
Abia Warriors lost for the first time at the Umuahia Township Stadium this season, going down to a 2-1 defeat against Sunshine Stars.
The visitors grabbed a shock lead through Razak Adegbite on the stroke of half time.
The former Rangers forward’s goal ended the Owena Waves’ run of seven hours, 28 minutes of play in away games without scoring a goal in the NPFL.
The home side fought hard to get back into the game but were thwarted several times by Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Abiodun Akande who was in top class form in the game.
They however restored parity 12 minutes from time through Obinna Eric Nwaimo.
Substitute Dele Olorundare however stunned the home fans when he netted the winner for his side on 90 minutes.
In another match day 19 fixture, Lobi Stars edged out Rivers United 1-0 in Makurdi.
Sunday Akeleche gave Lobi the lead from the spot in the 67th minute after the visitors’ captain, Austine Festus, handled the ball inside the box.
Rivers United wasted a glorious chance to grab a share of the spoils when Chinonso Okonkwo missed a penalty late in the game.
At the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Shooting Stars continued their poor away form following a 2-0 defeat to Akwa United.
Friday Ubong broke the deadlock for the hosts in the eighth minute.
Cyril Olisema slipped in the second after benefiting from poor defending by the visitors defenders.
Warri Wolves beat El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 with Kelvin Itoya grabbing a brace.
The forward struck in the 77th and 83rd minutes. Sikiru Alimi added the third two minutes before the end of the game.
In Nnewi, FC IfeanyiUbah recorded a 2-0 win against Niger Tornadoes.
Cameroonian midfielder, Tamen Medrano, fired the Anambra Warriors into a deserved lead in the 61st minute.
Brazilian forward Nico Dao jabbed in the second on the stroke of full time to make the point safe for the hosts.
Wikki Tourists beat Ikorodu United 3-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
Hamza Tiya grabbed the opening goal in the 19th minute, while Saidu Abdullahi increased the lead five minutes later.
Abdullahi got his second of the game in the 72nd minute.
Kano Pillars extended their winless run to four games after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Plateau United in Jos.
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