Charles Atshimene scored a late penalty to give Akwa United a crucial 1-0 win over Enyimba FC, opened a five-point lead at the top, and took a huge step towards the league title.

Matchday 32 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across nine centres on Sunday and the results culminated in Akwa United going five points clear at the top of the table.

With six games to the end of NPFL21, Akwa United strengthened its hold on top spot and the dream of a first-ever league title as they beat Enyimba in Uyo while their closest challengers had poor results.

The 1-0 win over the defending champions came from a 90th-minute penalty scored by Charles Atshimene, which gave the Promise Keepers the three points to hand Enyimba a first defeat in their last six.

In Nnewi, relegation-battling Ifeanyi Ubah defeated second-placed Nasarawa United. The Anambra Warriors took the lead in the 28th minute when Nonso Nzediegwu tapped in a cross.

Chigozie Abasi equalised two minutes later but Uzochukwu Ifejiofor found the winner with 19 minutes left on the clock

Another relegation embattled side, Sunshine Stars recorded their ninth league win over title-chasing Kano Pillars. Sadeeq Yusuff’s 59th-minute strike was the difference for the Akure-based side.

Elsewhere, Rivers United and Abia Warriors came from behind to beat Warri Wolves and Kwara United. Rangers also defeated Wikki Tourists in Enugu

FULL RESULTS

Dakkada FC 1-0 Heartland

Akwa Utd 1-0 Enyimba

Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Plateau United

FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Nasarawa United

MFM 0-0 Katsina United

Lobi Stars 1-0 Adamawa United

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Kano Pillars

Rangers 2-1 Wikki Tourists

Abia Warriors 2-1 Kwara United

Rivers United 2-1 Warri Wolves