Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars continued their impressive start of defending their Professional Football League title by winning at ABS on Sunday to remain top of the log.

The Kano club defeated ABS 3-2 at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin to lead the NPFL log on 12 points after five round of matches.

Baba Ganaru's men began with two quick-fire goals inside eight minutes through Nafiu Ibrahim and Super Eagles striker, Gambo Mohammed.

Ibrahim's goal came just 45 seconds after kickoff and that remains the fastest goal of this season so far.

Inside the last 20 minutes of the tie, Ichull Lordson trimmed the score to just one as ABS aimed for a comeback.

But Bello Musa Kofarmata's screamer gave the champions an insurance goal before Lordson stepped up to convert from the spot to make the score look respectable at 3-2.

Enugu Rangers kept the chase on Pillars with a 3-1 win over Kwara United, who suffered their first loss of the season.

Mohammed Adamu put Rangers in front in the seventh minute but Dare Ojo drew Kwara United level on the hour mark.

Two late goals from Chinedu Sunday Udeagha and Oghogho Oduokpe ensured the Flying Antelopes stay within touching distance of the league leaders.

3SC moved into third spot on nine points after a 3-2 win over Wikki Tourists but not without a nervy end to the tie in Ibadan.

It was a 45 minutes blitz from the Ibadan club as they raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Azeez Shobowale, Gbolahan Salami and Moses Ogaga.

But the Tourists put up a big fight in the last half hour and almost clawed back into the game. Goals from Victor Alegbe and Alaba Johnson were just not enough to stun the Ibadan faithful.

In Uyo, Akwa United put up a statement of intent with a 3-0 thrashing of Bayelsa United to climb into fourth place on the log.

The biggest winners on this matchday were Heartland. They overran a hapless Gombe United 4-0 in Owerri.

Two goals from Happy Okuoka and a single strike from Isah Akor made the game looked all over in the first half.

And Supersand Eagles midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu then added gloss to the result with 30 minutes left as the Naze Millionaires navigate their way into the top half of the log for the first time this term.

Nasarawa United won 3-1 against Kaduna United in Lafia to move into sixth spot while Nembe City edged El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1.

Sharks and Dolphins played out a goalless draw while Enyimba's stuttering start to the season continued with a 0-0 draw against Warri Wolves in Aba.