20 February 2011
The fairy tale run of Bukola Babes in the Nigeria Premier League was cut short when Dolphin defeated them 2-0 to open up a seven-point lead on top of the championship.
Dolphin stay atop of the NPL with 36 points from 16 matches as Bukola Babes unbeaten run of eight matches was brought to an end in a highly absorbing clash in Port Harcourt Saturday.
It was an explosive game and lived up to its billing as the star match of the weekend. Dolphin were the better side and their coach, Stanley Eguma, knew how to frustrate us, admitted Bukola Babes team manager, Alloy Chukuwemeka.
We conceded an early goal, which we thought would destabilise us, but it did not.
He added: We now want to get back to winning ways immediately at home to Ocean Boys next weekend.
Derek Amadi scored for the second successive game when he capitalised on a mix-up between the Bukola goalkeeper and his defender for the opening goal after two minutes.
However, it was not till the second half that Dolphin doubled their lead when Uche Oguchi tucked away a spot kick after skipper Abubakar Yusuf handled the ball inside his own box.
Bukola remain in third place with 27 points, but risk being toppled from that position by the likes of Warri Wolves and Enyimba, who are yet to play their Week 17 matches.
In the other game of the day, Kwara United romped to a convincing 3-0 home win over Sharks in Sagamu.
Adekunle Muritala grabbed a brace in the 57th and 67th minutes, while in between Kabiru Sanusi was also on target on 66 minutes.
Ill coach Kadiri Ikhana was on the bench for the Ilorin outfit after his deputy, Tunde Sani, saw red in last weeks loss at Enugu Rangers.
Kwara have thus moved four spots up from 14th to 10th position with 23 points from 16 matches.
Sharks are fifth with 26 points.
The other match scheduled for Saturday between hosts JTH FC and champions Enyimba in Jos was moved to Monday at the instance of JUTH, who complained to NPL of a fixtures congestion in the last two weeks.
Six other matches will be played later Sunday.
Second-placed Sunshine Stars welcome Kano Pillars, Heartland battle Plateau United in Owerri, Warri Wolves host Niger Tornadoes and Crown tackle Enugu Rangers.
Kaduna United will take on Gombe United and Lobi Stars will slug it out with 3SC in a battle of the stars.
