Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Jigawa Golden Stars boosted their survival hopes in the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL following a hard-fought 2-1 home win against Rivers United.
Abdullahi Lala scored both goals for the home team, while Bakary Bamba was on target for Rivers United.
The victory now take Jigawa Golden Stars out of the relegation zone as they now sit on the 16th position on the NPFL league table with 39 points from 34 matches.
Rivers United remains in the 5th position with 56 points from 34 games.
Elsewhere, Akwa United move closer to a first Nigeria Professional Football League title after a comprehensive 3-0 win against Warri Wolves in Uyo on Wednesday.
Charles Atshimene bagged a brace for the Promise Keepers, while Ubong Friday scored the other goal.
Akwa United top the standings with 64 points from 34 games.
Nasarawa United suffered a setback in their bid to win a first NPFL title after going down to a 3-2 defeat to Lobi Stars.
Nasarawa United twice led in the game with Silas Nwankwo scoring both goals but the hosts fought back on each occasion through Samuel Mathias.
Austine Ogunye netted the winning goal for Lobi Stars.
Nasarawa United remains in the second position with 58 points from 34 matches.
Kano Pillars title bid also suffered a hitch with the four-time champions going down to a 2-0 defeat against Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.
Christian Nnaji put Rangers ahead in the fifth minute, while Esor Achibong added the second a minute before the half-hour mark.
Both teams finished the game with 10-men.
At the Agege Stadium, MFM defeated former champions Plateau United 3-1.
In Okigwe, Abia Warriors recorded a 2-1 win against Heartland in the oriental derby.
Sunshine Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by Katsina United in another game.
In today’s NPFL fixtures
Dakkada FC vs Adamawa United
Ifeanyi Ubah United vs Enyimba
Kwara United vs Wikki Tourist
