Striking first was Sharks approach

Sharks head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has revealed that they planned from the outset to win quickly at Kaduna United in Wednesday's Glo Premier League match.
The Blue Angels raced into a two-goal lead through Christian Pyagbara in the first half before Samuel Agba halved the deficit for Kaduna United just eight minutes into the restart.


The Port Harcourt club held on to the end to the game to claim their first away win and go top of the league standings on 14 points by virtue of goal difference.

Ogunbote, however, believes that his team's defensive approach to the second half was due to fear of biased officiating.

“The victory means a lot because we have been working towards it right from the beginning of the season.

“We thank God we were able to get it now because it now shows that we can really get what we plan to get at the start of the season because if you really want to achieve success you must learn to win away from home.

“They lost concentration because fear set in as they anticipated magic moments by the referee for the home team but kudos to the referee who stood his ground.

“The home team forced us to play their game because my boys resorted to defensive play when the need did not even arise and we (nearly) paid for it,” Ogunbote said.

In other games on Wednesday, Bolaji Sakin scored the winner as Dolphins pipped Warri Wolves 1-0 while the bottom-of-the-table clash between Nembe City and Heartland ended one apiece.

All El-Kanemi Warriors needed to defeat Crown FC was Abraham Audu's spot kick on 54th minute.

In the Oriental Derby, Enugu Rangers were made to work hard for the full points by newcomers Abia Warriors before they could win 2-1.

Meshack Chukwubuikem scored for the opening goal for Rangers on 34 minutes but that goal lasted for just 60 seconds as Bishop Onyeudo put Warriors level.

But it was Marshall Odah Onoriode's goal past the hour mark that sealed the win for Rangers in Enugu.

Gombe United looked like they were close to winning their first point on the road in two years while away at Nasarawa United. But it was Babangida Ibrahim who scored a late winner for the Solid Miners to claim the three points.

New boys, Giwa FC, continued with their fine form of unbeaten run by defeating Akwa United 1-0. Gyang Amos Dadung's goal on 10 minutes ended the reign of Akwa United as league leaders.

Cameroonian midfielder Tamen Medrano scored from the spot as Sunshine Stars defeated FC Taraba 1-0 to climb out of the bottom four.

The biggest result of the day was in Aba where Enyimba smashed Lobi Stars three-nil. Abdulrahman Bashir, Andrew Abalogu and Mfon Udoh scored for the two-time African champions as Zachary Baraje returned to the team's dugout after serving a suspension from the club over poor results.