Plateau United missed the opportunity to reduce the gap between them and leaders Rivers United, following their 2-0 defeat to Abia Warriors in week 29 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Saturday.

Going into the fixture, a win for Plateau United (54 points) would have seen them cut Rivers United’s lead to just one point.

The Port Harcourt-based club now have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the league table to seven points if they beat Remo Stars on Sunday.

In Saturday’s fixture, Plateau United were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead on 27 minutes after they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Jesse Akila by Innocent Gabriel.

But Akila’s spot kick was saved by Abia Warriors goalkeeper Ibrahim Pius.

Abia Warriors then went 1-0 up in the 35th minute 1-0 thanks to Innocent Gabriel’s free kick from 25 yards.

And in five minutes of added time Abia Warriors doubled their lead through Imeh Atobasi to secure the three points for the home team.

The win saw Abia Warriors, now on 36 points, move up from 14th to 12th spot in the 20-team league table.

And in the second game that was also played on Saturday, Enugu Rangers pipped visiting Dakkada 1-0.

Christian Nnaji was the hero for Rangers as his 65th minute header from an impressive cross from Eso Archibong secured the win.

Rangers took their points tally to 48 and now occupy the third spot.

Meanwhile, the remaining eight fixtures of week 29 will be played across the country on Sunday.

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