13 March 2011
Dolphin of Port Harcourt have topped the Nigeria Premier League by the halfway mark after a 2-1 home win over defending champions Enyimba.
However, this was not without a big fightback by the host team as they fell behind in the first half through a headed goal by Enyimbas Chiedozie Johnson.
Goals from headers by skipper Emma Godwin and Captain Ejindu in the second half will ensure Dolphin won all their 10 home matches in the first half of the season, while also recording four wins and a draw away from home.
Victory in this Saturday showdown meant Dolphin are sitting comfortably at the summit of the NPL with 43 points from 19 matches.
Second-placed Sunshine Stars of Akure though could cut back on the leaders seven-point advantage if they beat Bukola Babes at home later Sunday.
Kwara United striker Kabiru Sanusi took his tally to seven goals after his brace buried Niger Tornadoes in Sagamu, also on Saturday.
Sanusi was on target in the 22nd and 47th minutes in a game controlled by Kwara.
Kwara have temporarily shot to fourth place on the table with 32 points from 19 matches, while Tornadoes still hover around the drop zone in 16th place with 20 points from 19 games.
In Kano, hosts Zamfara United forced Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw in a match played behind closed doors as a sanction to Pillars conduct away at Lobi Stars in Jalingo the previous weekend.
Victor Namo gave Pillars the lead after 11 minutes before Zamfara restored parity just before the hour mark through their leading scorer Obasesam Enete for his fifth goal of the campaign.
The Zamfara leveller brought out the best in the strugglers that at the end of the game, Pillars goalkeeper Joel Afelokhai pulled off several saves to emerge man of the match.
It was always going to be a difficult game because it is a local derby. We are therefore grateful with a share of the points particularly as we relaxed in the second half, said Pillars coach, Ladan Bosso.
However, Zamfara coach, Garba Gusau, expressed confidence that his club, who climbed a spot within the relegation, will beat the dreaded drop by the second round of the championship.
We have lined up a few tested players who will sign to reinforce our team and Im confident we will escape relegation at the end of the season, said the Zamfara handler.
A total of seven matches will be played later Sunday to mark the end of first half of the NPL. Action will resume after a two-week recess.
