Kano Pillars maintained its leadership of the Nigeria Premier League, with Warri Wolves hot on the champions’ heels courtesy of respective wins in a couple of the matchday 33 encounters played this evening.

A 26th minute penalty by goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai along with a Moses Ekpai goal five minutes into the second half gave Pillars a 2-0 win over Gombe Unitded in Kano.

The result put Pillars on 56 points, though Wolves remain a point behind in second place thanks to a 3-0 win over Lobi Stars as the title race remains tight with five matches left in the season.

Abu Azeez scored in the 52nd and 60th minute to put Wolves ahead against Lobi in Warri, while Joseph Osadiaye, who had come close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half, scored the third for Wolves in the 68th minute.

Freedom Omoforman was denied by the woodwork as Wolves settled for a 3-0 win which helped open a four-point gap on the chasing pack led by Enyimba that got a 3-1 win over Nasarawa United in Aba.

League top scorer Mfon Udoh took his tally this season to 17 goals with a brace in the 14th and 22nd minute which gave Enyimba a 2-0 lead against a Nasarawa side that occupied third spot on the standings going into the match.

The second half saw Emeka Nwanna add the third for Enyimba in the 68th minute while Nasarawa pulled a goal back through Seun Sogbeso’s penalty four minutes later.

Udoh had a chance to finish the match with a hattrick and go to within two goals of equalling the all-time goals record in a season, only to blast a late penalty over though Enyimba got the crucial win from the top-billing encounter.

As a result, Enyimba is now third with 51 points, ahead of Abia State rivals Abia Warriors as well as Dolphins on goal difference, with Abia Warriors beating Bayelsa United 2-0 in Umuahia while Dolphins got a 1-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors thanks to substitute Omo Johnson’s late goal.

In other matches this eveving, Okiki Musampa scored a hattrick to help bottom club Nembe City thrash fellow strugglers Kaduna United 4-0 while Ighodaro Osaguana scored his 15th goal of the season for Rangers in the 1-0 win over arch-rivals Heartland in Enugu.