Akwa United opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table in their bid for a first league title with a fourth straight win at home but were made to work hard against title rivals Nasarawa United on Thursday.

Akwa United’s goals came before half-time as Samuel Amadi tapped home to end Nasarawa United’s resistance in the 30th-minute before Marshal Johnson swept home in first half added time.

However, Kennedy Boboye’s side had to withstand a nervy finish after Adamu Hassan scored from the spot fourteen minutes from time.

The home side, however, held on to win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium that could yet prove pivotal in the title race as Akwa United move to 56 points, four more than closest challengers Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars with eight games to play.

Earlier, fellow Uyo side Dakadda FC moved into the top half of the table with a 2-0 victory against Kwara United also at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Goals from Godwin Inamoto and Emmanuel Charles either side of half time gave the home side all three points as they climbed to 10th on 43 points.

Early season pacesetters Kwara United stay sixth on 49 points.