It's neck to neck for NPL title
by George Akpayen 03 August 2012, 12:09
Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Dolphins have been thrown out of the title race but the road to crown the winners this season is still open. Three clubs, Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars, are in the hunt to be crowned champions this term.
Lobi midfielder, Blessing Okardi, admitted to SuperSport.com that none of the three teams can claim the title yet.
"It's still open. No team can say they've won it yet," Okardi, who won the NPL with Ocean Boys in 2006, said.
3SC continued their push for a continental place just as Cup holders, Heartland still have their road hoodoo haunting them.
3SC 2-0 Heartland
The hosts scored a goal in each half through Gabriel Adikwu and Moses Ogaga. 3SC are now fifth on 55 points while Heartland are in the bottom half.
Dolphins 0-2 Lobi Stars
It was a shock defeat for the champions in front of their fans. Dolphins put up a lethargic display as Lobi took them apart with Tony Okpotu and Luther Iorhe scoring the goals to send Lobi into second spot in the standings on 60 points.
Dolphins are now ten points off the title race.
Kano Pillars 3-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
Two goals from Turkey-bound striker, Gambo Mohammed and a solitary strike from defensive midfielder, Mustapha Musa gave Pillars a comfortable win. Baba Ganaru's team are now top of the Premier League and Jigawa Stars are just two years above the drop.
Kwara United 1-0 Warri Wolves
Kabiru Sanusi's 11th minute goal from the spot was enough to earn Kwara United a win that takes them three points off relegation. Wolves are surprisingly two points above the drop with an outstanding game.
Enyimba 3-0 Niger Tornadoes
Okoye Onyekachi, Captain Ejindu and Nzube Anazemba ensured that the People's Elephant coasted to a three-nil win over Tornadoes. The win leaves Enyimba in fourth place and on 55 points. Tornadoes are in the bottom three.
Gombe United 1-0 Akwa United
The Savannah Scorpions won this game through the odd goal. Samuel Matthias' strike was enough to give Gombe United and put a dent on Akwa United's dream for a continental place.
Kaduna United 2-1 Sharks
Kaduna United had to rely on two goals from the spot, both converted by Oliver Nsidibe on 51 and 86 minutes to cancel out Terry Envoh's strike for Sharks. Kaduna United climb into safety on 49 points and Sharks have 52 points.
Rising Stars 2-1 ABS FC
In spite of this win, Rising Stars are still seven points from safety. Goals from Kayode Agboola and Segun Bajowa cancelled out Kingsley Onovo's seventh minute striker. ABS are fourth from bottom.
