Kano Pillars produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Rivers United 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, with captain Ahmed Musa scoring the decisive goal right on the 90-minute mark.
Abdullahi Musa put the Sai Masu Gida in front in the 81st minute, but Rivers United refused to go quietly. Handsome Surveyor pulled the visitors level just a minute from time, threatening to snatch a point away from Pillars.
Ahmed Musa had other ideas. He stepped up to fire home the winner immediately after, sending the home crowd into celebration and securing all three points for the club.
Elsewhere around the league, Enugu Rangers reclaimed the top position on the table following a 2-1 derby win over Enyimba at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Wonah Williams had given Enyimba a 49th-minute lead, but Rangers fought back through Chidozie Iwundu in the 61st minute and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi seven minutes later to complete the turnaround.
Defending champions Remo Stars kept their survival bid alive with a convincing 3-0 home result against Niger Tornadoes. Victor Mbaoma, Olamilekan Adedayo, and Samuel Anakwe were all on the scoresheet for the Ikenne-Remo side.
Nasarawa United were equally impressive at the Lafia City Stadium, handing Warri Wolves a 3-0 defeat. Victor Chimezie, Ngei Oluka-Efor, and Habibu Alakija shared the goals for the hosts.
Kwara United also picked up a vital win, beating Barau FC 2-1. Toheeb Gidado and Saheed Olaniyi both scored in the first half for Kwara, before Joseph Atule gave Barau hope with a 66th-minute goal that ultimately counted for nothing.
Shooting Stars claimed maximum points on the road against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. John Zakka gave the hosts an early lead in the 25th minute, but Qamar Adegoke equalised shortly after half-time and then completed the turnaround four minutes from the end.
In what turned out to be the more confusing scoreline of the day, the Wikki Tourists versus Bendel Insurance fixture ended 2-1 in favour of Insurance. Emmanuel Dung gave Insurance a third-minute lead, Jonathan Mairiga levelled for Wikki in the 24th minute, and Efe Ubiomo sealed it for the visitors five minutes before the hour.
The full round of results: Wikki 1-2 Insurance, Plateau 1-1 Kun Khalifat, El-Kanemi 1-2 3SC, Kwara United 2-1 Barau, Remo Stars 3-0 Tornadoes, Rangers 2-1 Enyimba, Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United, Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City, Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United, Nasarawa United 3-0 Wolves.
For Pillars fans, Sunday's result was the kind of gritty performance the team needs to sustain its push up the table. Coming from behind in the closing minutes to win — with Ahmed Musa delivering when it mattered most — is exactly the mentality that carries a club through the business end of a season.