Niger Tornadoes have moved to within four points of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) leaders Lobi Stars after they defeated MFM FC of Lagos by a lone goal in their Matchday 19 clash on Sunday evening.

Abubakar Dayebo was the matchwinner for the Minna-based outfit following his 13th minute penalty.

The win was enough to lift Tornadoes to second place with 30 points and two points ahead of third-placed team Kano Pillars (28 points) who defeated Heartland FC of Owerri 2-0 courtesy a goal in each half from the league’s leading scorer Junior Lokosa.

Lokosa has now scored 16 goals this season as he attempts to break the record for most goals (23) set by Enyimba star Mfon Udoh.

Matchday 19 Results:

Abia Warriors 2-1 Rivers Utd

El-Kanemi 2-0 Nasarawa Utd

Plateau Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd

Kano Pillars 2-0 Heartland

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Lobi

Enyimba 0-0 Akwa Utd

Rangers 3-0 Wikki

Go Round 0-0 FCIU

Yobe DS 0-0 Kwara Utd

Tornadoes 1-0 MFM

Standings (Top 4 via Points)

1. Lobi Stars 34

2. Niger Tornadoes 30

3. Kano Pillars 28

4. Plateau United 28

Bottom 4:

17. Wikki Tourists 21

18. Go Round FC 20

19. Kwara United 19

20. Heartland 15