The second half of the 2021 NPFL season returned with serious excitement as teams continued from where they stopped – scoring goals for fun.
There were a total of 22 goals scored across nine matches, an average of over 2.44 goals per game with Dutse, Katsina, the most productive following a six-goal thriller.
A superb first half display ensured Katsina United proved to be just too strong for their visitors Wikki Tourist, who went, saw, but lost 5-1 to their hosts.
Joseph Atule helped himself to a brace, with further goals from Rasheed Ahmed and Samuel Nnoshiri for the home side, while Micheal Stephen netted the consolation for the poor Tourists who were later reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Nazifi Yahaya seven minutes from time.
For United, the win puts an end to their poor run of three successive defeats as they moved two points above the relegation waters, with the Tourists three points ahead despite their loss in 14th.
Elsewhere, Enugu team, Rangers International recorded one of two away wins of game week 20 with a disciplined performance in Aba against giants, Enyimba.
Two second half goals from Christian Nnaji and a late Elijah Ani penalty sealed all three points for the Flying Antelopes as they returned to winning ways in style.
Heartland Owerri were the other team to win on the road after a narrow 0-1 win over Adamawa United in Yola.
Maduforo Kingsley was the hero of the day for Heartland, thanks to his 80th minute strike, while Kano Pillars were also another team that got something away from home.
Sai Masu Gida were denied all three points courtesy of a late penalty for their hosts Warri Wolves as they shared the spoils following a 1-1 draw.
On the table, buoyed by a 2-1 home win over Sunshine Stars, Akwa United are the new league leaders on 37 points, joint-top with Pillars.
Former leaders, Kwara United dropped to third after a 2-1 defeat in Lafia to Nasarawa United, who sit 6th on the table.
The top for is completed by Port Harcourt side, Rivers Utd after their 2-0 home win over Dakkada FC.
In the other end of the table, Adamawa United remain rock bottom, followed by FCIU, Sunshine Stars, and Warri Wolves.
In sum, there were a total of five home wins, two away wins, and one draw in week 20, with only FCIU and MFM yet to play.