Yarhere shoots Wolves to top spot

Paul Aigbogun’s men climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) after edging Lobi Stars 2 – 1 on Sunday at the Warri City Stadium in a Week 5 clash.

But it was Efe Yarhere that ensured that Warri Wolves got full points to topple Gombe United, who had been on top in the past 24 hours after their lone goal win over Ocean Boys on Saturday.

The game in Warri, which produced three goals in all, was not a one-way procession with Tochukwu Mbachu and Yarhere scoring for Wolves while Victor Barnabas netted his third goal of the campaign for Lobi Stars.

Before Sunday’s kick off in Warri, Aigbogun’s Wolves knew that they would go top of the Premier League with a win over Lobi Stars after coming away with all three points at Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth) Football Club in Week 4.

Mbachu set Wolves on the path of a second consecutive win this season with a superb strike on the stroke of half time.

But Wolves were stunned when Barnabas blasted Lobi Stars back into the game just 17 minutes into the restart.

Sensing that Lobi Stars were dominating in the middle of the pack, Aigbogun brought in Gift Atulewa for Ebuka Okafor and the change paid off with Yarhere grabbing the winner 12 minutes to full time to ensure that Wolves keep their unbeaten start and go top of the log with 11 points – one ahead of Gombe United.

At Ilaro, newcomers, Crown Football Club, stunned former champions, Kano Pillars, two-nil with second half goals from Harrison Egbune and Bode Daniel.

Champions, Enyimba, left it late to inflict a second defeat on Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) with goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu converting from the spot after striker Kalu Uche was upended inside the penalty area.

Two goals from penalties inside the last five minutes to half time meant Kaduna United and Juth FC shared points at the Kaduna Township Stadium.

It was Enugu Rangers that got the biggest result of Matchday 5 with a 5 – 1 thumping of Zamfara United.

Musa Najire, Brendan Ogbu, Ugonna Uzochukwu and a double from veteran Emeka ‘Ayaya’ Nwanna, in his first start this season, put Zamfara United to the sword with Anas Abdullahi netting their consolation on 50 minutes.

On Saturday, Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, Gombe United and Sharks – who are the other unbeaten side this season – all won their games at home.

Gombe Utd ready to keep NPL top spot

It may sound strange but Gombe United have declared that they would want to remain on top of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) till the end of this year after toppling Dolphins Football Club at the summit on Saturday following their one-nil triumph over Ocean Boys at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.

Gombe United coach, Bernard Ogbe, told SuperSport.com after his side edged Ocean Boys by Mustapha Babadidi’s strike 12 minutes to full time that the Scorpions have the ingredients to remain top of the Premier League till the end of this year.

“I am happy that we have shown this season that we are one of the teams that can compete at the very highest level. But it is surprising that no one is giving us that chance and that is even good because we are not under pressure,” the former Akwa United coach said.

When prodded further by SuperSport.com, he said: “I have faith in this team and the management just as they have same in me. And that is why I can say that we can remain top till the end of the season provided we go away and pick points, which is very possible with the way the league is going now.”

Next week, the Scorpions head to Ijebu-Ode to face the Premier League’s most physical side, Sunshine Stars and Ogbe rose up to say that his men are ready for the rough and tumble style of Gbenga Ogunbote’s side.

Ogbe added that he will send out his team to go out for all points on December 12 when they face Sunshine Stars at the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.

“We will not go there to defend. I know they are a very strong, physical team but we will be ready for that kind of style,” he said.

Gombe United currently have 10 points from five matches.