NPFL: Plateau United hit Ikorodu City four as Abia Warriors strengthen continental bid

Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced significant outcomes on Monday, with Plateau United cruising to a 4-1 victory over Ikorodu City, while Abia Warriors secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bayelsa United to enhance their push for continental qualification, Sport360NG reports. 

Plateau United, currently playing their home fixtures in Lafia due to security concerns in Jos, delivered a dominant display to ease off-field pressures and regain momentum in the campaign.

Following a cagey first half that ended without goals, Kazeem Adeyanju broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, putting the hosts in front.

Ossy Martins extended the lead in the 72nd minute as Plateau tightened their grip on proceedings. Ikorodu City responded late through Moses Ali, who pulled one back in the 80th minute to spark brief hopes of a comeback.

However, Plateau quickly reasserted control, with Martins completing his brace in the 88th minute before Victor Dawa added a fourth goal in stoppage time to cap an emphatic performance.

The win moves Plateau United up to eighth place with 46 points, while Ikorodu City remain third, though their title aspirations have taken a hit as the race intensifies.

In the other fixture, Abia Warriors claimed a narrow but valuable victory over Bayelsa United courtesy of Chukwuemeka Obioma’s second-half strike.

Obioma found the breakthrough in the 58th minute, taking his tally to 11 league goals this season and drawing level at the top of the scoring chart alongside Rangers’ Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City’s Joseph Arumala.

The result lifts Abia Warriors to 52 points in fourth position, level with Ikorodu City and just three points behind the league leaders, boosting their chances of securing a continental ticket with five matches remaining.

For Bayelsa United, the defeat deepens relegation concerns as they sit 16th on 40 points, level with Remo Stars and hovering just above the drop zone.

Looking ahead, Plateau United will travel to Port Harcourt to face Rivers United, while Ikorodu City host Kano Pillars in Lagos.

Abia Warriors are set to visit Bendel Insurance in Edo, as Bayelsa United continue their battle for survival against Wikki Tourists in what promises to be a tense run-in to the season.