NPL Week 17 wrap

Enyimba stay top of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) after Matchday 17 as Enugu Rangers could not avoid defeat in Port Harcourt.

ABS FC continue with their impressive run that has seen them break into the top half of the standings and champions, Dolphins won for the first time on the road this season. Here's a round-up of Week 17 games:


Wikki Tourists 1-1 Enyimba
Enyimba as expected ended the impressive home run of the Tourists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi by securing a point that ensured they go top of the log. Former FC Abuja man, Obinna Eleje scored for Enyimba on 63 minutes before Rabiu Baita got the leveller in the 68th minute.


Ocean Boys 1-1 ABS FC
Kabir Sulaiman Dogo's team continued their unbeaten streak at Ocean Boys by leaving Yenagoa with a point. Substitute Abdulrahman Bashir spent just eight minutes on the pitch before scoring on 43 minutes for ABS but Emmanuel Enize equalised from the spot 12 minutes into the restart as Ocean Boys drop into the bottom three.


3SC 1-0 Kwara United
A solitary strike from left-back Mutiu Adegoke inside 10 minutes was enough for 3SC to kick-start the post-Festus Allen era with a home win at the Lekan Salami Stadium. 3SC now have 20 points but remain in relegation waters.


Rising Stars 0-1 Dolphins
Defender Kennedy Chinwo blasted home a free kick from 25 yards on 60 minutes to give Dolphins their first win on the road at struggling Rising Stars, who are now bottom of the table.


Sharks 1-0 Enugu Rangers
Chikeluba Ofoedu had his goal chaulked off by referee Patrick Ishaya before Kola Anubi sealed a first win in three years for Sharks in Port Harcourt with a 74th minute volley from close range. Sharks are one point above relegation as Rangers drop from first to third position.


Kano Pillars 1-0 Sunshine Stars
It was a tight contest in Kano and the impressive Rabiu Ali netted on 18 minutes to ensure that Pillars go second with 29 points - one behind leaders, Enyimba. Sunshine Stars are now 11th with 22 points.


Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Bala Mohammed got his sixth goal of the season from the spot on the stroke of half time to help Jigawa Stars earn all three points against Tornadoes in Hadejia. Jigawa Stars are still in the drop zone while Tornadoes take up 13th place.


Warri Wolves 2-0 Gombe United
Former Mighty Jets' striker, Austin Amutu came off the bench to score Wolves' opening goal in the 56th minute and Gabriel Ikechukwu netted the insurance goal with 14 minutes to time. Wolves and Gombe United are in the top six of the standings.


Akwa United 0-0 Heartland
Heartland ended the 100 percent home streak of Akwa United, who returned to their home ground - the Uyo Township Stadium. Both teams battled to a goalless draw. Heartland stay in the top half as Akwa United drop two places out of the top half.


Lobi Stars 1-0 Kaduna United
Striker Tony Okpotu finally returned to scoring ways with a 57th minute goal for Lobi Stars to defeat Kaduna United by a goal. Both teams are just hovering above the relegation zone.