By IBRAHIM T. LOT
In a thrilling encounter over the weekend, Kun Khalifat emerged victorious against Plateau United with a crucial 2-0 win in Owerri.
This match marked their first victory in five attempts, significantly lifting them out of the relegation zone.
Goals from Lekan Gabriel and Henry Ezeonye shone brightly, helping the team amass a total of 17 points from 15 matches, a much-needed boost after struggling earlier in the season.
However, despite this successful home outing, the team’s away performances continue to be a source of concern.
The Peace Boys have lost all their away games in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season, leading Technical Adviser Oluwasola Adegun to voice his worries.
He stated, “For the away games, nothing is nearly close to what we need.
The players must be willing to sacrifice a lot and work more.”
In another significant match, Enyimba ended their four-game winless streak with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers International in the Oriental Derby.
Chidera Michael broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, before substitute Stanley Dimgba, who had found the net the previous week, doubled the advantage.
Rangers’ Kenechukwu Agu attempted a late comeback with a brilliant stoppage-time free-kick, but Enyimba held on for the win, advancing to ninth place in the league standings, accumulating 20 points.
Meanwhile, Rangers dropped to seventh despite having two points more than the People’s Elephant.
In additional matches around the league, Niger Tornadoes climbed to third place with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Remo Stars, with Clinton Jephta scoring as early as the second minute.
They now have 23 points after 15 matches.
Ikorodu City surged to the top of the table after defeating Abia Warriors 1-0, while Nasarawa United fell to second following a defeat at Warri Wolves.
As for Kano Pillars, they remain at the bottom of the standings with just nine points from 14 matches.
They are set to face Rivers United today in an outstanding fixture, hoping to turn their fortunes around.