16 January 2011
A last-gasp strike by substitute striker Victor Namo saved Kano Pillars from a home defeat at the hands of Sharks in continuation of the Nigeria Premier League Saturday.
Sharks looked like they had the game in the bag courtesy of an early goal by veteran striker Victor Ezeji, before Pillars leading scorer in the 2009 CAF Champions League Namo drew the home team level deep into stoppage time.
Namo darted into the Sharks box from the left before he fired home the equaliser from an acute angle past the impressive goalkeeper Okiemute Odah.
This is the beginning of my goals, warned a very proud Namo after this entertaining match.
We created many chances in this game but could not put any away until I scored. God used me to rescue my team.
Namo will then reveal on his inner shirt a hand-written tribute to his late father rest in peace dad – as he wheeled away to celebrate with the passionate home fans.
Sharks shocked the big crowd at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano in the 12th minute when Ezeji kneed home off a goalmouth scramble and would have doubled their lead two minutes later, but Usman Mani instead chose attempt a pass to Ezeji when clear on goal.
But thereafter, Pillars bossed this clash with leading scorer Gambo Mohammed the arrow head of their attacks.
In the 20th minute, Mohammeds superb shot came off the post, before goalkeeper Odah denied him with a point-blank save on 39 minutes. And on the hour, the Pillars strikers header from inside the box again smashed against the crossbar.
Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia, accompanied by all his assistants, was in the stands to watch this game.
He has now called up Gabriel Rueben after the Pillars defensive midfielder impressed on the day.
Pillars are now third in the standings with 17 points as Sharks slipped to seventh place.
Dolphin consolidated their leadership of the NPL with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Lobi Stars.
They have now recorded 24 points from 11 matches, while Lobi hover around the relegation pack on 11 points.
Bukola Babes won the Ilorin derby with a 3-0 trouncing of Kwara United in Bauchi, while hosts Plateau United fought back to draw 2-2 with Niger Tornadoes.
Bukola Babes thus shot up to fifth spot with 17 points, while city rivals Kwara slumped to eighth position.
Plateau are now off the foot of the table with eight points and Tornadoes are just above the drop zone with 11 points from as many matches.
