Bayelsa Utd now new NPFL leaders

Bayelsa United have become the latest team to assume the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) following a 0-0 draw at Sunshine Stars on Thursday morning.

Sunshine Stars blew scoring opportunities after opportunities in the game as Bayelsa United held on till the end to secure a point that ensured the table-topping position of the NPFL for the first time this season.

The Restoration Boys, as Bayelsa United are nicknamed, are now on 46 points, one above second-placed Enyimba and Kano Pillars in third position.

Definitely no one would have envisaged Bayelsa United would have pulled off a draw in Akure and go top of the pile.

On Wednesday, Enyimba cruised to a 3-0 win over Gombe United in an NPFL game to go top of the standings for just over 12 hours before Bayelsa United overtook them on Thursday.

Sunshine Stars head coach, Fatai Amoo, said he is satisfied with the performance of his players and believes that the Akure Gunners were unfortunate not to have won against the gritty Bayelsa United team.

“We had a better share of the scoring chances but we didn’t take them and that is why the game ended goalless. This is football and this kind of results can happen in football even when you never set out to play a draw. It’s a good result for Bayelsa United no doubt but for us we must continue to work on finishing off our opponents.

“Our concentration is on the next game (against Akwa United) now. It’s important to do well in subsequent games,” said Amoo, who has seen his top players like Godfrey Oboabona, Dele Olorundare and Izu Azuka move abroad in droves.

Bayelsa United head coach, Ladan Bosso (pictured) was happy with the outcome of the match but cautioned that the season is still a long way from the end with 10 games remaining.

“It is always a good feeling to go top of the table because it helps your confidence. But we are not carried away because the season is still far from over,” he said.

Bayelsa United  have won the top flight title in Nigeria once in the 2008/09 season.