Title chasing Rivers United have seen their chances of catching up with Remo Stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League table take a hit following a 1-0 loss to Bayelsa United in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Kehinde Malik’s goal in the 19th minute condemned Finidi George’s team to a seventh league loss this season, handing Remo Stars to open an eight-point gap at the top of the table if they defeat Enyimba on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the result puts Bayelsa in 11th spot with 41 points after 31 matches played, seven points clear of the relegation zone with seven matches left in the season.
Elsewhere in the NPFL on Wednesday, Abia Warriors claimed a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars in Umuahia thanks to goals by Sunday Megwo midway through the first half and Anthony Ijoma deep in stoppage time to keep the home side in third place with 50 points.
Sunshine Stars and Heartland remain in relegation trouble following a goalless draw, with the Akure Gunners still stuck in 19th place with 34 points, one point behind their Owerri-based rivals in 17th spot on the table.
Kano Pillars also played out a goalless draw at home to Bendel Insurance, while Kwara United moved up to 10th spot on the table with a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in Ilorin.