Without kicking a ball on Matchday 18, Rivers United a win away from guaranteeing top spot at the end of the first half of the season, which is a match away.
Plateau United forced Enyimba to a draw in Aba Saturday evening which only pushed them to the same points as log leaders Plateau United, who play away to Gombe United on Sunday.
If Gombe United however win that match – which will make it only the second defeat of the season for the Pride of Rivers, it will be Plateau United that will occupy No 1 going into the last week of mid-season.
With a goal by Victor Mbaoma in the 28th minute, which they sustained well beyond halfway of the second half, the People’s Elephant might have thought all three points are in the bag.
But Austine Opara struck in the 71st minute to level matters. All efforts therefore by both sides were in vain.
Enyimba stay where they were before the game – No 8 – but risk dropping further when the Matchday fixtures are concluded on Sunday.
In the other match of the day, a fourth minute goal by Musa Wakili proved just enough for hosts Niger Tornadoes at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
Tornadoes’ fifth win of the season temporarily lifts them three places above the bottom four.
But Lobi Stars, Heartland and Abia Warriors are among sides that will drag Tornadoes back to the red zone on Sunday.
Sunday’s matches: Nasarawa United v MFM, Gombe United v Rivers United, Katsina United v Wikki Tourist, Kwara United v Heartland, Lobi Stars v Abia Warriors, Akwa United v Rangers, Shooting Stars v Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars v Dakkada (4 pm)
Saturday: Enyimba 1-1 Plateau United, Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Remo Stars
