A superb hat-trick by Chijioke Akuneto helped Rivers United thrash Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Akwa United.

The Portharcourt club sealed a 4-1 victory over their visitors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Ishaq Rafiu had opened the scoring for Rivers United from the penalty spot before Akuneto’s hat-trick in the first half, while Austin Osayande scored a consolation.

Stanley Eguma’s side top the standings with 42 points from 19 games.

Second-placed Plateau United kept pace with leaders Rivers United edging out Sunshine Stars 2-0 in Jos.

Mohammed Zulkifilu and Haggai Katoh scored both goals for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.

Read Also: NPFL: Kwara Utd bag victory in Lagos; Rivers, Plateau seal wins

Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes courtesy of a 3-1 win against Gombe United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Pillars went in front through Ifeanyi Eze in the 12th minute and added the second seven minutes before the break while Yusuf Abdulazeez scored for Gombe on the stroke of halftime.

Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali then put the game beyond the visitors by netting the third two minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Remo Stars outclassed Kwara United 3-0, with goals from Andy Okpe, Tolulope Ojo and Seun Ogunribide.

In the day’s other fixture, Wikki Tourists were held to a 0-0 draw by Enyimba at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

#NPFL22

19 matchweeks down

19 more to go pic.twitter.com/hWjn84Fuls

— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) March 20, 2022

The post NPFL: Akuneto hat-trick helps Rivers Utd thrash champions Akwa Utd appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.