An early strike by Yusuf Jayeola was enough for Sharks to claim a 1-0 win over an unlucky Akwa United in Port-Harcourt while a late Segun Alebiosu goal earned Kwara United a 1-1 draw with Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Saturday in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

At the Liberation Stadium, Jayeola scored for Sharks after eight minutes against the run of play, as Akwa United had dominated early proceedings but fell behind as Jayeola capitalised on a spilled save by Akwa United goalkeeper Obiowo.

Aniekpeno had a goal ruled out for offside on the half-hour mark as Akwa United searched for a goal back, while Obiowo saved a shot from Sharks’ Chima Akas early in the second half.

Akwa United laid siege on the Sharks goal in the closing stages but the Port-Harcourt side held on to claim its first win of the 2015 league season and jump to fifth on the standings ahead of Sunday’s fixtures.

Newly promoted Kwara United meanwhile moved to second spot on the standings with five points from three matches, after coming away from the Tafawa Balewa Stadium with a 1-1 draw with Wikki.

It was Wikki that began the match better, as a first minute header from Victor Yakubu and a 17th minute free kick from Nura Mohammed were saved by Kwara goalkeeper Shagari Ishmail.

Emeka Nwabula, in goal for Wikki, denied Isiaka Oladuntoye from a free kick as the visitors settled into the game, though it would be the home side to come close to scoring just before the break only for Shagari to deny Wikki’s Shammah Tanze.

Tanze would fail to score two more times in the second half but respite came for the home side 20 minutes from time when Emenike Onuoha converted a penalty after Uche Martins’ ball in was handled in the area.

Alebiosu however stole a point for the Harmony Warriors when he struck four minutes from time and maintain Kwara United’s unbeaten start in their first season back in the top flight.