The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 30 fixtures, played yesterday, delivered dramatic results with two away victories and two red cards. Abia Warriors and Akwa United secured crucial wins over Heartland FC and Kwara United respectively, highlighting the challenges of hosting in the fiercely competitive league.

In a thrilling Oriental derby in Owerri, Abia Warriors edged Heartland FC 1-0 despite finishing with ten men. Adejoh Ojonugwa’s decisive 80th-minute goal proved decisive, but the visitors faced adversity when Emmanuel Ogbuagu was sent off in the 84th minute for a second yellow card offence. The dismissal tested Abia’s resolve, but they held on for the narrow victory.

Akwa United also claimed a vital away triumph against Kwara United, further cementing the trend of visiting teams dominating the round.

The matches underscored the importance of tactical discipline amid high stakes, with officials enforcing strict penalties for misconduct.

In Ilorin, Kwara United went down 0-2 to Akwa United who snatched the maximum points to brighten their chances of survival.

Two minutes after Kwara United’s defender Segun Adekinle was sent off with a straight red card, Akwa United’s Osoba Kabir opened the scoring for his side in the 26th minute before Uche Sabastine doubled the lead in the 73rd minute for the crucial away win.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, title contenders Rivers United laboured to a 1-0 win over Ikorodu City as they had to wait till the seventh minute of second half added time for Bola Sholumade to give them victory from the penalty spot.

Elsewhere, Enyimba were forced to a 1-1 draw at home by Bayelsa United with both goals scored within eight minutes of the match. Ekene Awazie gave Enyimba the lead in the 7th minute but Ifeanyi Ogba drew the visitors level a minute later.

Katsina United emerged the best performers with a 3-0 thrashing of El-Kanemi Warriors at home as Moses Achare, Bello Lukman and Ahmed Taofeek scored a goal each in the massive win.

3SC also smashed Niger Tornadoes 3-1 in the last match of the day to return to winning ways after a poor run in recent matches.