The action returned to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after 10 days of inactivity due to the New Year celebration.
Interesting outcomes graced matchday 17 with 25 goals scored in the process.
Akwa United 3-1 Abia Warriors: Promise Keepers leave the red zone
A shaky start to the encounter in Eket saw Abia Warriors take the lead through Obi Samson, but quick-fire goals from Said Mubarak and David Philip turned the game on its head to give the Promise Keepers a 2-1 lead at the break.
Hadi Mohammed's second-half penalty put the game to rest and handed Abdullahi Umar his first win as interim head coach of Akwa United, a result that takes the Promise Keepers to 16th on the log with 18 points.
Enyimba 2-0 Sporting Lagos: Defending champions make statement
Enyimba's renaissance received another boost as they brushed aside their opponents, Sporting Lagos 2-0 in Aba.
Eze Ekwutoziam's first-half penalty strike and Elijah Akanni's beauty in the second half got the job done and sent the Lagos-based side into the red zone.
The People's Elephant still have two games in hand and can go top if they win both.
Remo Stars 2-0 Sunshine Stars: Sky Blue Stars shine brighter in South-West Derby
When it looked like it was going to end in a share of the spoils, substitute, Aniekeme Okon struck twice to hand Remo Stars all three points and take them to the summit of the league table.
Sunshine Stars' resilience was broken in stoppage time as wild jubilation erupted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The Sky Blue Stars continue their dream run in the NPFL this season, but the question is: how far can they go?
Shooting Stars 1-0 Bayelsa United: Hard-fought win for the Oluyole Warriors
Kareem Ademola's goal proved decisive as Shooting Stars pipped strugglers, Bayelsa United 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Bayelsa United's push for an equaliser was resisted by Shooting Stars, who claimed the vital three points.
Kano Pillars 2-1 Plateau United: Comeback for Pillars on home soil
In-form Plateau United striker, Albert Hilary scored his eighth goal of the campaign to put the Peace Boys ahead, but a late challenge from “Sai Masu Gida” ensured a 2-1 win for the hosts at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Abdullahi Musa came through with the decisive goal for Abdul Maikaba's side to delight the home fans.
Despite a great performance, Mbwas Mangut bowed to his former boss at Rangers International in a reunion of familiar tacticians.
Niger Tornadoes 3-2 Heartland: Ikon Allah Boys triumph in five-goal thriller
Bashir Usman had the final say as Niger Tornadoes beat Heartland FC 3-2 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Sunday.
Returning gaffer, Christian Obi impressed with Heartland, who would take positives from the fact that they scored twice away from home, but their sloppy defending cost them at least a point.
Kwara United 0-2 Lobi Stars: Pride of Benue Stun Harmony Boys in Ilorin
The shocker of the matchday happened in Illorin where Lobi Stars defied all odds to hand Kwara United a 0-2 defeat.
Stanley Oganbor and Samuel Tiza found the back of the net for Eugene Agagbe's side to grab the only away win of matchday 17.
Kabiru Dogo and Kwara United are left with so much to think about after a disappointing evening in front of their fans.
Gombe United 1-1 Rivers United
A lively first half in Gombe on Sunday made the difference as a 1-1 stalemate sufficed in the tie between Gombe United and Rivers United.
The Pride of Rivers went in front through Andy Okpe before Wasiu Alalade equalised for the home side.
With a point to cheer about, Rivers United move to Jos to honour their rescheduled fixture against Plateau United in Jos on Wednesday.
Doma United 2-0 Katsina United: Perfect home run continues for Savannah Tigers
Doma United's perfect home run continued with Saturday's 2-0 triumph over Katsina United at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, thanks to goals by Bidemi Owoku and Samuel Enefiok.
Goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi kept his 13th clean sheet in the process.
Doma United remains the only team yet to concede at home this season.
Bendel Insurance 2-0 Rangers International: Benin Arsenal Overpower Flying Antelopes
Junior Osaghae and Ismail Sarki got on the score sheet as Bendel Insurance beat Rangers International 2-0 in Benin City on Saturday.
A game that was touted as a tough battle only ended with the hosts having the say and claiming the bragging rights which included a monetary incentive of 2.5 million naira.
Full Results
- Akwa Utd 3-1 Abia Warriors
- Enyimba FC 2-0 Sporting Lagos
- Kano Pillars 2-1 Plateau Utd
- Kwara Utd 0-2 Lobi Stars
- Niger Tornadoes 3-2 Heartland
- Remo Stars 2-0 Sunshine Stars
- Shooting Stars 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
- Gombe Utd 1-1 Rivers Utd
- Doma United 2-0 Katsina United
- Bendel Insurance 2-0 Rangers Int'l
