Monday, June 20, 2011

NPL wrap for Week 28


Eight games took place between Saturday and Sunday in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) with Sunshine Stars and Dolphins remaining the top two after the Round of 28. 

The bottom four remained same with Crown FC, Plateau United, Zamfara United and Juth in that order, as our predictor scored five over eight with two exact results.

Kwara United 1 – 1 Dolphins
Kadiri Ikhana’s men went into this tie with a number of key players missing. But the home side still managed to take the lead on 20 minutes through youngster, Anthony Okemiri. Dolphins had to wait for 52 minutes to claim a point after Emma Nwachi levelled the game inside the Ilorin stadium. Dolphins are second on the log and tied on 54 points with leaders, Sunshine Stars while Kwara United are 12 points behind the top.
Our prediction: 1 – 1

Sharks 1 – 1 3SC
3SC surprised not just bookmakers but themselves as well by grabbing a draw at Sharks. It looked like the Blue Angels will overrun 10-man 3SC when Bright Ejike scored in the second minute. Things got worse for the away side when their left-back, Festus Iyoma, was sent off. But four minutes after going one man down, Fatai Amoo’s men equalised through Babatunde Yusuf to earn a point. 3SC still remain outside of the top half of the table on 35 points and Sharks are sixth on 44 points.
Our prediction: 2 – 1

Plateau United 2 – 2 Kano Pillars
Heile Isaac handed Pillars a 13th minute lead in this four-goal thriller at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos. But in a crazy two minutes, George Akpabio (pictured, left) scored twice before John Huan denied the home side all points just on time. Plateau United are still in the dogfight for survival and Pillars are fourth in the table with 47 points.
Our prediction: 1 – 0

Gombe United 3 – 0 Bukola Babes
The departure of Festus Allen from Bukola Babes appears to be having a telling effect on the newcomers, as they were well-beaten at Gombe United by three-nil. It is a free fall for the Babes, as they are now 11th with 36 points after Gombe’s Rafiu Salaudeen and Adamu Mohammed punished them with the latter getting two goals in the space of two minutes. Gombe United are 16th and seven points above the drop zone.
Our prediction: 2 – 0

Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Zamfara United
Sibi Gwar expectedly got on the score sheet in this game and it turned out to be the winner for the home side that are still perched outside of the top half of the table. Zamfara United are second from bottom with 27 points from 28 games on the log.
Our prediction: 2 – 0

Crown FC 0 – 1 Lobi Stars
Crown FC did not do themselves any favour, as they failed to get three straight wins on the trot since winning promotion to the topflight this season. A 22nd minute goal from Tony Okpotu was enough for Lobi Stars to claim maximum points at the Gateway International Stadium in Ilaro to leave Crown fourth from the foot of the table. Lobi Stars are now eight on the log with 43 points from 27 games.
Our prediction: 2 – 1

Warri Wolves 2 – 0 Sunshine Stars
The game of the week expectedly lived up to its bill. A goal in each half from Michael Okoyoh’s rebound from the spot and ThankGod Ike’s header from a corner kick killed any hope of Sunshine Stars getting a result at the Warri City Stadium. Sunshine Stars are top despite the loss with 54 points from 27 games while Wolves in third close the gap to five points.
Our prediction: 2 – 1

Kaduna United 2 – 0 Ocean Boys
Ocean Boys continue their miserable road run of no points from 14 games with a two-nil loss at Kaduna United on Sunday. A goal in each half from Isiaka Oladitoyin and Jude Aneke handed Kaduna United three points and leaves them on ninth spot in the table with 42 points from 26 games. Ocean Boys occupy 15th position with 34 points after 28 games.
Our prediction: 2 – 0

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