Kano Pillars have put their destiny in their own hands, as Nasiru Ali's goal handed the northern aristocrats their first away victory of the season to help them regain the top spot on the Nigeria Premier League table.
At the Chief Emmanuel Atongo Stadium in Kastina-Ala, Lobi Stars beat visiting Enugu Rangers by an overwhelming 3-0. The host took control of the game from the blast of the referees whistle and it yielded an almost instant dividend as red-hot striker Tony Okpotu opened scoring in the 6th minute. Jonah Abutu increased Lobi's tally through a penalty after Rangers' defender James Okwuosa brought down a goal-bound Lobi player in the box. Tony Okpotu finally sealed the win for Lobi Stars with a goal in the 66th minute.
In Minna reigning champions Dolphins FC were totally outclassed by their host Niger Tornadoes, who comprehensively beat them by 4-0. Son Atake opened scoring in the 11th minute through a well taken free-kick, before Nathaniel Orji doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Lukman Mohammed made it 3-0 in the 44th minute, and then added another in the second half to mark his brace and end the game 4-0.
In other games Austin Amutu's goal gave Warri Wolves a slim victory over visiting Shooting Stars of Ibadan. While Enyimba also lost away to relegation battling Jigawa G.S by a similar scoreline.
Despite Gomo Onduku's early opener in the second minute, Sharks FC still went on to lose to visiting Wikki Tourists by 2-3 in Port-Harcourt. While Heartland defeated visiting Gombe United by 2-1.
In a related development, the management of the Nigeria Premier League has ordered that game between Ocean Boys and Rising Stars be played on Thursday, despite the officiating referee initially performing a walkover after the host team failed to show up. Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC will also play host to Kaduna United tomorrow.
It should be recalled that Sunshine Stars played their own week 37 fixture against Kwara United on Sunday, as a matter of convenience resulting from their engagement in the CAF Champions League. The game ended 1-1.
Your comments on this story...