Leke Afolayan –
Reigning league champions Kano Pillars continued their poor start to the season over the weekend while Port-Harcourt side Sharks along with Akwa United of Uyo maintained the pace after matchday nine of the Nigeria Premier League season.

In Makurdi, champions Pillars fell to a 2-0 defeat at Lobi Stars to consequently fall into the relegation zone in 17th place with just nine points from eight matches.

Lobi in their part rose three places to now occupy third spot with 15 points, behind second placed Akwa United on goals difference and league leaders Sharks by two points.

Akwa United played out a 2-2 draw at home to Sunshine Stars of Akure, needing a last minute goal from Kufre Ebong to salvage a draw from a match Sunshine twice held the lead.

In Port-Harcourt, Sharks opened a two-point lead thanks to a 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, with Danladi Isah scoring both goals for Sharks in each half. Sharks had also won their last league match 2-0 away at Kaduna United.

In other matches, Heartland of Owerri got a first win of the season in a lone goal triumph over Aba rivals Enyimba through a last minute goal from Saibou Badarou.

Rangers International of Enugu lost 2-0 at Taraba United, Warri Wolves won by a lone goal at Abia Warriors while Crown FC and Nembe City shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

The match between Bayelsa United and Giwa FC was postponed due to Bayelsa United’s CAF Confederations Cup final qualifying round second leg match against Sewe Sport of Cote D’Ivoire.

Needing to win by three goals to make the group stage of the competition, Bayelsa United however lost by a lone goal to the Ivorians who went through with a 3-0 aggregate win.