By George Akpayen
Ikorodu City attacking winger Joseph Arumala has played himself into pole position as the leading scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after scoring in his side’s 3-0 win over Kano Pillars on Sunday.
Arumala opened scoring for City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos to take his tally to 12 goals for the season, one more than the chasing pack of Rangers striker Godwin Obaje and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors.
Tosin Oyedokun (70′) and Abayomi Ayodeji (88′) got the other goals for the Oga Boys who are still in the race for the title and a top-three finish. City now have 55 points, three behind leaders Rivers United.
Rivers United were made to work hard for the full points by an organized Plateau United.
Wisdom Samuel’s first half goal proved sufficient enough for Finidi George’s men to return to the top of the summit after 34 rounds of matches ahead of second-placed Rangers who played out a goalless draw at Niger Tornadoes.
MAIRIGA LIFTS WIKKI IN YENAGOA
At the other end of the table, Jonathan Mairiga was the hero in a tight contest between Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
Mairiga netted the winner for Wikki with 23 minutes left to play though the points were not enough to take them out of the relegation zone but sucked Bayelsa United into it.
Federation Cup holders, Kwara United, played themselves out of the bottom-four after grinding out a 0-0 draw at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)
The story was different for the champions Remo Stars who surrendered a goal lead to lose 2-1 at Barau FC.
A goal each in the last 20 minutes from Joseph Atule and Joseph Kemin cancelled out Haruna Hadi’s 63rd minute goal for Remo Stars to leave them in danger of being relegated with four matchweeks to end the season.
BIG WINS FOR SOUTHEAST DUO
Enyimba and Kun Khalifat FC cruised to emphatic victories over Katsina United and Warri Wolves respectively in a bid to put life in their battles for escape.
Stanley Dimgba (23′), Chidera Michael (31′) and Wonah Williams (79′) scored for Enyimba in their 3-0 win over Katsina United at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Kun Khalifat FC made light work of Wolves with a 3-0 win. Uchechukwu Onuoha netted a second half brace after Mmesoma Nnorom had opened scoring on 19 minutes.
The win still leaves Kun Khalifat FC bottom of the standings but moves them within a point of safety.