Continental chasers Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors boosted their hopes of a top-three finish with hard-earned away victories on matchday 17 of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.

In Kano, Shooting Stars claimed just their second win on the road this season with a narrow 1–0 victory over Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Striker Sodiq Ibrahim struck early, finding the net in the ninth minute before later leaving the pitch through injury. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, the Oluyole Warriors showed resilience, with Nurudeen Aweroro’s side defending doggedly to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle.

The result keeps the Ibadan outfit seventh on the table with 26 points from 17 matches. They will look to build on the momentum when they return home to face Niger Tornadoes in their next fixture on Sunday.

Abia Warriors also left it late to secure maximum points on the road, edging Kun Khalifat 1–0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Suraj Lawal, who had rescued a point for Imama Amapakabo’s men in their previous outing, was again decisive, scoring the winner in the 83rd minute. The victory lifts the Umuahia-based side to fourth place on the standings with 27 points, with two matches still to play before the mid-season break.

Elsewhere, there was little to separate the sides in Jos and Ozoro, as Plateau United and Nasarawa United played out a goalless draw, while Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars also settled for a 0–0 stalemate. The point in Ozoro marked Pillars’ first away point of the season.

At home, Niger Tornadoes, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba all delivered convincing performances. In Minna, Tornadoes eased past Elkanemi Warriors, with Azeez Akintunde on target and substitute Rickson Mendos coming off the bench to score twice.

Bayelsa United showed character in Yenagoa, coming from behind to defeat defending champions Remo Stars 2–1. Victor Mbaoma had given the visitors the lead, but second-half goals from Fabby Clark and Emo James completed the turnaround for the hosts.

In Aba, Enyimba recorded a 3–1 win over Kwara United. Samuel Agu opened the scoring before Chidera Michael struck twice to seal the result, with in-form Toyeeb Gidado netting the visitors’ consolation goal.

Matchday 17 will be concluded on Monday, as Ikorodu City host Katsina United in Lagos, while Rivers United welcome Wikki Tourists to Port Harcourt.