Sharks of Port-Harcourt maintained their position at the top of the Nigeria Premier League after matchday 10 while Kano Pillars’ start to defending the league title continues to stutter.

In Omoku, Sharks withstood a late barrage on their goal from bottom side Nembe City to come away with a goalless draw, a result that was enough to keep Sharks top of the table with 18 points.

Warri Wolves though is now just a point behind Sharks in second place following a 1-0 win over Taraba United, with the lone goal coming through Gbolahan Salami.

Akwa United, that occupied second place ahead of kick-off, fell to fifth place with 15 points after losing 3-0 at Rangers International in Enugu through second half goals from Osaguona Ighodaro with a brace and Ejike Uzoenyi with the other.

Akwa United is now one of five teams with 15 points, with El-Kanemi now third after beating Gombe United 3-1 in Kano while Giwa FC of Plateau is in fourth place after coming from behind to beat Lobi Stars 2-1 in Jos, a result that sent Lobi down from third to seventh with 15 points.

In other matches played, defending league champions Kano Pillars forced 10-man Heartland to a 1-1 draw in Kano while former champions Enyimba of Aba claimed a 1-0 win at home to Crown FC of Ogbomosho thanks to Mfon Udoh’s 19th minute penalty.

Enyimba’s local rivals Abia Warriors got beaten 3-0 at Dolphins in Port-Harcourt, Sunshine Stars beat Bayelsa United 2-1 in Akure while Nasarawa United came away from Kaduna with a goalless draw against second from bottom side Kaduna United.