Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) concluded dramatically on Monday, April 6, as Plateau United swept past Ikorodu City 4-1 and Abia Warriors defeated Bayelsa United 1-0, tightening the race for continental places.
Plateau United who were forced to host matches in Lafia due to security concerns in Jos, produced a statement performance that eased pressure off the team.
After a quiet first half, Kazeem Adeyanju broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. Ossy Martins doubled the lead in the 72nd minute as Plateau took firm control.
Ikorodu City responded late through Moses Ali, who struck in the 80th minute to spark brief tension. Plateau quickly shut the door.
Martins grabbed his second in the 88th minute before Victor Dawa added a stoppage-time fourth to complete a dominant win.
The result lifts Plateau United to eighth on 46 points. Ikorodu City remain third, but their title charge has taken a dent as the race tightens.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors secured a vital win thanks to Chukwuemeka Obioma, whose 58th-minute strike settled the game. The goal takes Obioma to 11 league goals, level with Godwin Obaje of Rangers International and Joseph Arumala of Ikorodu City at the top of the scoring chart.
Abia Warriors climbed to fourth on 52 points, level with Ikorodu City and three behind the leaders with five games left. Bayelsa United’s relegation fears deepen as they sit 16th on 40 points, level with Remo Stars and hovering just above the drop zone.
Next up, Plateau United travel to face Rivers United, while Ikorodu City host Kano Pillars. Abia Warriors head to Edo to meet Bendel Insurance, and Bayelsa United take on Wikki Tourists.
