MFM FC returned to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League over the weekend after an emphatic 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. The visitors needed at least a draw to remain second on the table were swept away by goals from Austin Ogunye, Sikiru Olatunbosun and the season’s top scorer Stephen Odey. All goals came in the first half and it was enough for the Lagos based side to leapfrog Plateau United whose game against Rangers was postponed due to continental engagements by the Champions.

Away from the battle at the top, the biggest news was in Kano where Akwa United came, saw and conquered Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Christian Pyagbara’s 19th minute goal against the run of plan proved decisive as the Uyo based side claimed their first ever victory in Kano. Kano Pillars have now lost at least a home game every season since Nasarawa United broke their 12 year unbeaten home run in 2015. Enyimba were the last team before Akwa United to secure a win in Kano.

The victory was widely celebrated but sadly, some spectators took laws into their hands and unleashed mayhem on visiting officials, including the match officials. A similar case was observed in 2016 when Enyimba emerged victorious in 2015 in Kano. In Katsina, Enyimba lost 2-1 to Katsina United but had their vehicle damaged and a couple of their players injured after the game. Chinedu Ohanachom scored for Enyimba in the 20th minute but Obinna Eleje equalized on the stroke of half time. The home side later got their winner in the 83rd minute thanks to Chinedu Uchechukwu. This led to an incident between Enyimba’s Ghanian Goalie Dauda and one of the ball boys behind his goal.

The LMC have sanctioned Kano Pillars, Katsina United and Remo Stars. Enyimba’s goalkeeper Fatau Dauda, Kano Pillars’ Rabiu Ali and Murtala Adamu were also suspended.

Wikki Tourists were 3-1 winners over Gombe United in Bauchi. Chukwudi Samuel and Abubakar Lawal gave the home side a 2-0 lead in the first half before Sadiq Shuaibu halved the deficit in the 59th minute. Hassan Hussein restored the 2 goal cushion in the 82nd minute. Rivers United were 1-0 winners over Abia Warriors thanks to Emeka Oghugh’s 33rd minute penalty in Port Harcourt. Thomas Adeshina 13th goal gave Sunshine Stars a 1-0 win over Remo Stars in Akure.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars were 2-1 winners over Niger Tornadoes with Emmanuel Asiri grabbing the winner in the 81st minutes, 5 minutes after Wilfred Ammeh has drawn Tornadoes level. Sunday Faleye scored the opening goal in the 37th minute. In Ilorin, Ernest Governor’s 87th minute goal gave ABS a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United while Lobi Stars and FC IfeanyiUbah played out a goalless draw in Makurdi.

While the weekend provided the first away wins since Matchday 9, the resulting violence casted dark shadows over the beautiful game of football.