Thursday, July 07, 2011

NPL wrap for Week 31

Our predictor scored six over eight on Matchday 31 including four exact scores, as Dolphins and Sunshine Stars (pictured) continue their neck in neck chase for the title.


Champions Enyimba also kept their clean sheet record at home in tact, as we round up all eight games.


Kano Pillars 2 – 0 Lobi Stars
Gambo Mohammed netted his 10th goal of the season from the spot on 24 minutes for Pillars and impressive Lobi Stars’ defender, Moses Bunde, turned home the ball into his own net with 14 minutes to time to hand the hosts a 2 – 0 win. The win ensures that Ladan Bosso’s men keep up the pressure on the leading two by remaining third on the log with 56 points while Lobi are seventh.
Our prediction: 2 – 0


Plateau United 2 – 1 Gombe United
Plateau United had to battle from behind to win this game to give themselves a chance of remaining in the topflight. MacMarcel Obioha scored for Gombe United inside five minutes before two second half goals from George Akpabio gave the Jos club a win. But Plateau United are still five points off safety in 19th position and Gombe are in 14th with 39 points from 31 games.
Our prediction: 2 – 1


Dolphins 2 – 0 Juth
Expectedly Dolphins won this game against struggling Juth. But title-chasing Dolphins were made to work hard for this victory after defender Kennedy Chinwo missed a penalty earlier in the game. But former OUK man, Emeka Atuloma opened score on 74 minutes and within two minutes Emma Nwachi doubled the lead for the hosts to ensure that they are tied on 60 points with leaders, Sunshine Stars at the top. Juth remain bottom with 23 points from 31 matches.
Our prediction: 2 – 0


Bukola Babes 2 – 1 Kaduna United
For the first time since the unceremonious departure of Festus Allen, Bukola Babes got back on winning term by beating Kaduna United 2 – 1. Emmanuel Bivan had given the away side a 15th minute lead before full-back, Promise James pulled the Babes level on 30 minutes. Babes hitman, Abdurahman Bashir was on hand to smash home his ninth goal of the season on 49 minutes to give his team their first win in eight games. Bukola Babes now have 39 points from 31 games while Kaduna United are with 45 points.
Our prediction: 1 – 1


3SC 1 – 1 Warri Wolves
Playing without influential striker, Gbolahan Salami, 3SC struggled against Wolves and with just 12 minutes played, Oduokpe Oghogho dribbled his way through a forest of defenders to net his side’s goal. It took a 55th minute spot kick converted by Chima Akas to save 3SC from a second home loss this season. The Oluyole Warriors now live dangerously with four points above the drop zone while Wolves remain fourth with 53 points.
Our prediction: 1 – 0


Zamfara United 1 – 0 Kwara United
Kwara United will feel bitter by the officiating of centre referee, Otamere Nelson from Edo State. Zamfara United were awarded a 43rd minute penalty and Annas Abudullahi drilled the ball home while Kwara United had a penalty shout turned down later in the game. After 31 games, Kwara United are placed ninth with 46 points while Zamfara United are 17th and on 33 points – two close to safety pending when Ocean Boys face Heartland.
Our prediction: 1 – 0


Sunshine Stars 2 – 1 Crown
Ibrahim Ajani missed a fifth minute spot kick for Sunshine Stars and then the match officials credited him with what should have been Ofem Inah’s goal off a free kick just a minute past the half hour mark. Ex-Enyimba man, Atanda Sakibu, playing in a three-man attack alongside Ajani and Ukeyima Akombo for Sunshine Stars got the second on 62 minutes before Tony Edgomariegwe scored a late goal for Crown. Sunshine Stars edge Dolphins for top spot by goals difference while Crown are still in the battle for survival in 18th position on the log with 30 points.
Our prediction: 3 – 0


Enyimba 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
The holders, Enyimba defeated Tornadoes 1 – 0 to claim an eighth win in 16 head-to-head games between both sides since 2003. Peter Onoja's first half header off a free kick sealed what turned out to be the winner for the hosts. The Peoples Elephant maintained fifth position with 51 points after 30 games and Tornadoes stay on 11th with 42 points from 31 matches.
Our prediction: 2 – 1

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