Bayelsa Utd move into top three

Former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Bayelsa United, have climbed into the top two of the standings after their 2-1 win over Nasarawa United on Thursday.

Nasarawa United also had the chance of going second if they had won, instead it was the Bayelsa club that moved into second spot from their previous ninth position.

Former Nigeria under-20 star, Bernard Okorowanta, set the tone for Bayelsa United against Nasarawa United a minute past the half hour mark.

Wing back Odili Iyasele's cross was flicked by Peter Ebimobowei into the path of Okorowanta who roofed the ball past Nasarawa United goalkeeper, Emmanuel Benson.

Ten minutes to the break, Nasarawa United's towering centre-back put the game on level terms by heading home from a corner kick. He did not need to jump to score from the cross.

The Solid Miners showed that a team can be vulnerable just minutes after scoring when their keeper, Benson upended the impressive Ebimobowei inside the box.

Uche Ihuarulam dispatched the spot kick with venom to give Bayelsa United a 2-1 lead with five minutes to half time.

Ihuarulam's goal turned out to be the winner that took Bayelsa United to second place behind Kano Pillars while Heartland are third on 19 points with a game at hand.

Heartland's game at hand is a replay against table-topping Kano Pillars on May 29.

The other game that took place in Bauchi on same day between hosts, Wikki Tourists and Enyimba ended 1-0 to the former.

Wikki defender, Festus Umanah, popped up to score the goal that turned out to be the winner of the clash on 32 minutes.

Thursday's win over two-time African champions sees Tourists climb above Sharks in the bottom two.