24 January 2011
Warri Wolves moved into third place in the Nigeria Premier League with a 3-1 home win over struggling Plateau United.
Kaduna United added champions Enyimba to their list of top-profile casualties with an odd goal victory at home, Bukola recorded a remarkable away victory at Crown FC and Lobi Stars pipped Ocean Boys 1-0.
Striker Ekigho Ehuosun scored his fourth goal of the season after 22 minutes with a superb strike for Warri Wolves second goal after Amanze Elekwuachi opened scoring seven minutes into the clash.
Ex-Heartland ace defender ThankGod Ike scored his first goal for the Wolves four minutes from the break as the home dominated the first period.
However, in the second half Plateau United came out firing and deservedly pulled a goal back courtesy of substitute Emmanuel Odafe on 76 minutes.
It was a game of two halves. Warri wolves dominated the first half, while Plateau took control in the second half as both teams gave a very good account of themselves, reported Wolves spokesman, Timi Ebikagboro.
Warri Wolves have now recorded 21 points from 12 matches, two points behind Sunshine Stars and six points adrift of leaders Dolphin.
Another entertaining clash on Sunday was that between NPL new boys Crown and Bukola Babes at the Gateway International Stadium in Ilaro.
Bukola Babes were deserved 2-0 winners to shoot to fourth place on the table with 20 points from 12 matches.
The outstanding Abdulrahman Bashir set the ball rolling for the Ilorin team just before the interval, before skipper Fade Adebayo doubled their lead on 51 minutes.
Thereafter, striker Akeem Audu missed two glorious chances, including one set up by the exciting rightback Cletus James, who is now a big transfer target for both Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes.
Bukola Babes missed chances left coach Festus Allen fuming.
It was good to have got all three points, but we could have banged more to at least win this game 4-0. We were too complacent when we all know that we may need goals to determine our final standings on the table, blasted Allen.
Crown sunk deeper into the drop zone as they are now 18th on the table with 10 points.
My team lacked maturity and we lost to a better team. We would need to improve the team by mid-season with a couple of big signings, admitted experienced coach Ganiyu Salami.
Infighting at the Ogbomosho club has seen several key stars rested after they were accused of not doing enough possibly as a way of getting former coach, Godfrey Esu, back to the team.
In Kaduna, Fidelis Saviour hit target for the second time in a week when his late goal condemned champions Enyimba to their sixth loss of the campaign.
It was an even game before Saviour, scorer of a late-gasp equaliser at Shooting Stars the previous weekend, again stood up to be counted when he fired home after a fantastic piece of attacking play by the home side.
Kaduna, who have accounted for top teams like Dolphin and Sunshine Stars thus far, are now sixth on the table with 19 points, while Enyimba languish seven spots below.
Lobi eased the pressure on them with a battling 1-0 home victory over Ocean Boys, who are now third from bottom.
This coming weekend, several NPL matches will be affected as Enyimba and Kano Pillars begin their quest for international glory via the CAF Champions League.
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