League leaders Ikorodu City extended their stay at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a hard-fought away victory over Enyimba in Aba, while Shooting Stars boosted their continental ambitions with an emphatic 4-2 win against Warri Wolves.
At the Enyimba International Stadium, Ikorodu City once again showed the grit that has defined their campaign. Joseph Arumala’s 29th-minute strike proved decisive as the visitors withstood sustained pressure from the hosts to claim all three points.
The win moves Ikorodu City to 44 points from 26 matches, maintaining their lead at the summit. Enugu Rangers climbed to second place on 43 points following a 2-0 victory over Wikki Tourists, with first-half goals from Wisdom Ebirim and Godwin Obaje.
Rivers United, now third on 41 points, have five games in hand after exiting the CAF Champions League, keeping them firmly in the title conversation despite recent setbacks.
In Abeokuta, Shooting Stars recovered from an early scare to deliver one of their most impressive attacking displays of the season. Warri Wolves took the lead inside seven minutes through Peter Ita, but Sodiq Ibrahim responded swiftly four minutes later to restore parity.
The Oluyole Warriors grew in confidence as the half progressed. Lucky Emmanuel finished off a flowing team move in the 29th minute to put the hosts ahead before Desmond Ojietefian rose highest to head home from a corner nine minutes later.
Stephen Amos effectively sealed the contest midway through the second half with a stunning long-range effort, highlighting Shooting Stars’ attacking flair. Although Othuke Egbo pulled one back late on with a well-struck free-kick, Wolves were unable to mount a serious comeback.
The victory lifts Shooting Stars to 38 points from 25 matches, leaving them just three points adrift of a CAF Confederation Cup spot with a game in hand. Warri Wolves, meanwhile, drop to 11th on 34 points after 26 games as inconsistency continues to hinder their campaign.
Elsewhere, Katsina United edged Nasarawa United 1-0 thanks to a late Boubacar Massaly strike. Kwara United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars after surrendering an early advantage.
El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Plateau United, while Bayelsa United played out a stalemate with Bendel Insurance.
