By Korede James
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Rivers United failed to close the gap on Remo Stars as both teams were unable to secure victories on Sunday in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
While 3SC were forced to a 1-1 draw away to Plateau United, Finidi George’s Rivers United suffered a 2-0 loss at Heartland.
3SC went into the fixture having won their last six matches and were on the verge of making it seven consecutive wins after Tijani Kabiru put them 1-0 up on 74 minutes.
But just two minutes later Albert Hilary equalised for Plateau United.
In Owerri, second half goals from Christian Molokwu and Joel Okoro sealed a 2-0 win for Heartland.
The defeat takes Rivers United’s run to five straight games without a win, recording two defeats and three draws.
3SC, who are second in the league table, are now eight points adrift of leaders Remo Stars.
On their part, third-placed Rivers United are 10 points behind the leaders.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated Akwa United 2-0 which moved them to fourth place.
Ijoma Desouza opened the scoring on 26 minutes while Samuel Christian added the second in stoppage time.
In other fixtures, Kano Pillars played 0-0 with visiting Bayelsa United, and Nasarawa United defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-0.
NPFL RESULTS
Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa United
Plateau United 1-1 Shooting Stars
Heartland 2-0 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa United
Nasarawa United 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
