Enyimba Held But Stay Top

March 11, 2010

Enyimba of Aba are still top of the Nigeria Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw at Shooting Stars of Ibadan in a mid-week match.

The 'people's elephant', as Enyimba are known by their fans, lead the standings on 41 points from 23 matches even though they had a lot to thank their goalkeeper Chijoke Ejiogu, who stood between hosts Shooting Stars and goal in a match the Aba club played a rather cautious, defensive game.

Kwara United also remained in second place after a 1-0 victory over Dolphins at the Ilorin Township Stadium. The Ilorin club have recorded 39 points from 23 games.

Enugu Rangers moved up a spot to fourth place after a 1-0 home win over Kaduna United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Hard working midfielder John Nnam dribbled his way into the visitors’ box before he fired home the match winner after 70 minutes.

Damien Udeh would have doubled the home team’s lead in the dying minutes of the encounter, but he shot wide his penalty.

Kaduna United Belgian coach, Maurice Cooreman, complained about the officiating of the match, arguing that his team had two penalty appeals that should have been awarded.

Relegation-haunted Lobi defeated high-riding Sunshine Stars 2-0 in Makurdi and Heartland improved their standings on the 20-team table after they turned back Warri Wolves 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

In other mid-week matches, Ranch Bees stopped Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in Kaduna, Sharks eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 home win over bottom team Gateway FC of Abeokuta, while Wikki split the points at Ocean Boys following a 1-1 draw.

Third-placed Kano Pillars visit Zamfara United in Gusau and Gombe United host struggling champions Bayelsa United later Thursday.

Bayelsa United are 18th on 26 matches with two matches outstanding.