By Adeboye Amosu:
Photo courtesy LMC (IfeanyiUbah FC vs Enugu Rangers):
Rivers United upstaged Rangers at the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League after securing a 1-0 win against Heartland at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Christian Welli scored the winning goal in the 37th minute, nodding the ball past Ebele Obi following a delightful cross by Guy Kuemiam.
Stanley Eguma's men now sit at the top of the standings with 50 points, two ahead of Rangers who have 48.
In Nnewi, Rangers' title bid suffered a big blow following a 2-0 loss to Oriental rivals FC IfeanyiUbah.
The Anambra Warriors took an early lead with Seka Pascal putting them in front after 10 minutes.
Chijoke Alakwe put the game beyond the visitors when he netted the second on 55 minutes.
The loss ended Rangers' run of seven games without defeat.
At the Akure Township Stadium, Sunshine Stars continued their push for a continental ticket with a 3-0 bashing of basement side Ikorodu United.
Impressive midfielder Dayo Ojo set up the Owena Waves on the road for the win when he scored the opener in the 25th minute following good work by Ayo Saka.
Dele Olorundare increased the scoreline in the 74th minute, converting from the spot after Samad Quadri's goal-bound effort was blocked by an Ikorodu United defender.
In another matchday 31 fixture, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan were held to a barren draw by visiting El-Kanemi Warriors at home.
MFM FC were also held to a 1-1 draw at the Agege Stadium by Warri Wolves.
The visitors stunned the home fans when they took the lead through Obinna Eleje in the 58th minute.
Isah Akor however restored parity for MFM when he headed home the equaliser 10 minutes from time.
Lobi Stars held off a late fightback from Abia Warriors to earn a 3-2 win against the Umuahia-based side at the Aper Aku Stadium.
Kingsley Eduwo scored a brace in the 43rd and 46th minutes, while Sunday Akeleche added the third for the home side in the 80th minute to make it 3-0.
The visitors however responded with two goals by Chima Ullocha on 84 minutes and Michael Olaha who reduced the deficit on the dot of 90 minutes.
MATCHDAY 31 RESULTS
FC IfeanyiUbah 2 V O Enugu Rangers
Rivers United 1 V 0 Heartland
Lobi Stars 3 V 2 Abia Warriors
Sunshine Stars 3 V 0 Ikorodu United
Shooting Stars 0 V 0 El-kanemi Warriors
MFM FC 1 V 0 Warri Wolves
Niger Tornadoes 3 V 0 Akwa United
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