Ever-green midfielder Rabiu Ali scored his ninth goal of the season as Kano Pillars bounded to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League despite being held at Katsina United on matchday 22.

Ali, 40, opened scoring for Pillars in the 26th-minute but Rashid Ahmed replied for the hosts fourteen minutes later to ensure a share of the spoils.

The draw lifts Pillars to 41 points, one more than Akwa United who can reclaim top spot with a win against Rangers Monday.

Elsewhere, FC Ifeanyiubah celebrated their first game back in Nnewi following their banishment to Enugu with a first win in eleven games over Gbenga Ogunbote’s Sunshine Stars who have now failed to win in seventeen matches.

Ekene Awazie’s eighth-minute effort was enough to take 19th-placed FCIU level on 20 points with fellow relegation battlers Sunshine Stars who stay 18th.

Meanwhile, MFM continued their renaissance since the restart with a third win on the bounce after claiming a 1-0 win over visiting Lobi Stars in Lagos.

Imeh Atobasi’s eighth-minute effort was enough for the Olukoya Boys who are now eleventh on the log with 30 points, one fewer than their ninth-placed vanquished foes.

It was a six goals thriller between Adamawa United and visiting Warri Wolves as the latter thrice came from behind to force a share the spoils.

Stanley Otu’s second minute opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Anayo Ogbonna who also restored parity after Sunday Williams scored for Wolves.

Efe Yarhere then restored the vistors’ lead in the 50th-minute but Abubakar Idris had the final word as his 78th-minute equaliser meant both sides had to settle for a point each.

NPFL 2020-21 FULL TIME SCORES

Katsina United 1-1 Kano Pillars
Nasarawa United 3-1 Heartland
Plateau United 4-1 Wikki Tourists
Rivers United 0-0 Abia Warriors
Jigawa Golden Stars 1-1 Dakkada FC
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Sunshine Stars
MFM 1-0 Lobi Stars
Adamawa Utd 3-3 Warri Wolves