Plateau United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with a narrow victory over close challengers Rivers United at the New Jos Stadium in Sunday’s Matchday 18 round of fixtures.

The Jos-based side reclaimed pole position after Lobi Stars lost at Jigawa Golden Stars courtesy of Yusuf Suleiman’s 88th-minute winner.

An early goal from Ibrahim Mustapha in the third minute ensured Abdu Maikaba’s side propelled themselves back to the top of the NPFL while simultaneously denting third-placed Rivers United title hopes.

Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars remain winless after three games following a 1-0 defeat to Heartland FC in Owerri while Uyo based sides Akwa United and Dakkada FC grabbed a share of the spoils away from home at FC Ifeanyiubah and Wikki Tourists respectively.

NPFL debutants Dakada FC have lost only to MFM FC on the road and occupy fourth place on the log with Akwa United two places below them in sixth.

Nassarawa United pulled the surprise of the day to climb out of relegation trouble with a fightback from one goal down to beat Abia Warriors 3-1 in Lafia.

Kano Pillars extended their unbeaten run to 13 games after goals from Auwalu Ali and Achibi Ewenike either side of halftime gave the Sai Masu Gida a 2-0 victory over bottom club Adamawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The encounters between Warri Wolves and Enyimba and Rangers and Katsina United were postponed with Enyimba and Rangers in action on the continent.

2019/2020 NPFL MATCHDAY 18 RESULTS

Jigawa Golden Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars
(Yusuf Suleiman 88’)

Nasarawa United 3-1 Abia Warriors
(Abdallah Mohammed 28’, Chidi Solomon 43’, Haggai Katoh 74’ – Emmanuel Ugwuka 3’)

Heartland FC 1-0 Sunshine Stars
(Abiodun Thompson 3’)

Kwara United 1-0 MFM FC
(Christopher Nwaeze 73’ (PEN))

Kano Pillars 2-0 Adamawa United
(Auwalu Ali 41’, Achibi Ewenike 54’)

FC Ifeanyiubah 0-0 Akwa United

Wikki Tourists 1-1 Dakkada FC
(Daniel Jackson 68’ – Femi Ajayi 87’)

Plateau United 1-0 Rivers United
Ibrahim Mustapha 3’