Akwa United FC strengthened their bid for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League after securing a hard fought 1-0 victory over Sporting Lagos FC in the Nigeria National League Southern Conference B clash played in Uyo.
The decisive moment of the match came in the first half as Akwa United made their dominance count with a goal that ultimately separated both sides at the final whistle. Despite a determined effort from Sporting Lagos in the second half, the visitors were unable to break down the disciplined defence of the Promise Keepers as Coach Paul Offor tactical brilliance denied his former side any sort of Joy in Akwa-Ibom.
The victory moves Akwa United to 28 points from 14 matches and gives them a four point advantage over second placed Sporting Lagos, who remain on 24 points. With only four matches left in the regular season, the Uyo based club have placed themselves in a strong position to secure one of the promotion spots back to the top flight.
Sporting Lagos remain in second place despite the defeat, though their position has come under pressure after Stormers FC defeated First Bank FC 3-1. The result lifted Stormers to third place on 23 points and tightened the race for qualification in the conference.
Elsewhere in the same group, Abakaliki FC recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Godswill Akpabio United FC to move above them into fourth position on the table. Meanwhile, Ekiti United FC continued their difficult campaign after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Solution FC.
In Southern Conference A, Inter Lagos FC maintained their position at the top of the standings with 24 points despite not playing over the weekend. Beyond Limits FC moved level on points with the leaders after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Edel FC, although the Ikenne based side have played one game more.
Heartland FC climbed to third place with 20 points after a dramatic late victory against Sunshine Stars FC in Owerri. Abdulateef Ibrahim scored the decisive goal in the closing stages to secure all three points for the hosts. Sunshine Stars, also known as the Owena Whales, remain seventh with 15 points.
Edel FC strengthened their chances of avoiding relegation after their 1-1 draw against Beyond Limits moved them up to fifth position with 16 points. Abia Comets FC also returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Gateway FC.
In Northern Conference C, Doma United FC extended their lead at the top of the table after playing out a 1-1 draw against ABS FC in Ilorin. The result took Doma United to 23 points from 12 matches and opened up a five point gap at the summit as they continue their push for promotion to the NPFL.
FC Basira remain second with 18 points but their position is under threat after suffering a second consecutive defeat in the conference.
In Northern Conference D, Yobe Desert Stars moved to the top of the standings following a convincing 3-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars FC. The result lifted Yobe to 19 points, two points ahead of Ranchers Bees FC, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Bichi First FC.
