Iheanacho leads Adidas Golden Shoe race with 5 goals

GOLDEN Eaglets' Kelechi Iheanacho on Tuesday brightened his dream of emerging the Adidas Golden Shoe winner of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates after scoring his fifth goal of the competition in Nigeria 4-1 win over Iran in a Round of 16 game.
Iheanacho, who netted four times in Nigeria's 6-1 win over defending champions, Mexico in the opening fired blank in the last two games against Sweden and Iraq.
He however, scored Nigeria 's second goal against a stingy Iranian side when his clinical grounder off a cross from Taiwo Awoniyi beat goalkeeper Mahdi Amini in the 25th minute.
Iheanacho's goal came two minutes after defender Samuel Okon had scored the curtain raiser through a low diagonal pass.
Interestingly, another Nigerian wonder kid, Musa Yahaya is in the race for the Golden Shoe after scoring four goals in the competition.
Yahaya, who assisted Okon to score the first goal scored Nigeria's fourth goal in the 76th minute when he out of sheer brilliance outpaced two Iranian defenders before he unleashed a grounder which caught Amini helpless.
Captain of the Eaglets, Musa Muhammed also scored his second goal of the championship through a
solo effort which he sensationally capped with a blinder at the edge of the box for Nigeria's third goal.
The first time a Nigerian player emerged the Golden Shoe winner of the cadet World Cup was at
Japan '93 when Wilson Oruma, who also captained the Golden Eaglets finished with six goals ahead of teammate, Nwankwo Kanu who scored five goals.
Chrisantus Macaulay equalled Oruma's feat in 2007 when he claimed the Golden Shoe award with
seven goals to also inspire the Nigerian team to capture the cadet mundial for the third time.
Meanwhile, Iheanacho is battling for the Golden Boot award also alongside Brazilian striker, Mosquito with four goals in the kitty.
................
General Manager bemoans ABS relegation

General Manager of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka has described the relegation of the team from the Globacom Premier League as a temporary setback.
"The relegation of the club is very unfortunate and sad considering the personal efforts our boss Senator Saraki put in to sustain the team for three seasons in top flight football.
"I think we were victims of a bad system as well as other environmental factors that don't support private sector participation in top flight football but I'm sure we will bounce back soonest," said ACc as he is fondly called by his admirers.
He stated that the team will consolidate the structure already in place to perform well in the Nigeria National League and regain its slot in the elite cadre.
"Our team is intact for next season though, we have created an enabling environment for our players to remain as one big family. The management and the players have met and resolved to remain with the team in order to actualise the objective of the club to return to the Globacom Premier league as soon as possible," said Chukwuemeka who is also the secretary of the Club Owners in Nigeria.

Caption of the photo above: Kelechi Iheanacho gunning for the Golden Shoe award with five goals.

Globacom Premier League Update: Seven-goal thriller in Ilorin

UNDER a closed-door, only a handful of people made up of  journalists, football officials as well as medics could witness the seven-goal thriller today (Wednesday) at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin as Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC mauled Nembe City of Bayelsa 6-1 in a Globacom Premier League Week 37 game.
It turned out to be a Sallah gift to their darling teeming fans compelled to remain at their various homes to monitor the result via available means especially through social media following the ruling of the league authorities.
AbduRahman Bashir and Kadiri Aminu scored two goals each with Zenke Thomas and Ibrahim
Abdullahi completing the routing of the Nembe lads who got a consolatory goal through Frank Egharevba in the 80th minute.
Team Manager of ABS, Alloy Chukwuemeka expressed hope that his team will maintain its tradition through Sunday's last match of the season against Warri Wolves in Warri.
"The race is not yet over and we are hoping that our players will reenact this form in Warri that will enable us to come out with the result that we need to remain in the premier league next season. Everybody in the team is very hopeful and today's result is a morale booster for us," ACC as he is fondly called by his admirers said.
A five-star performance by Sunshine Stars ended the title race of Enyimba FC as they left Akure Stadium with a 0-2 defeat. Auta Philip scored through a spot-kick before half time while a glancing header by Ebenezer Odunlami's in the 80th minute off a free-kick ensured the People's Elephant left Akure empty-handed on the day they needed an away victory badly.
Gambo Muhammad's first half goal gave Kano Pillars a one nil victory over Dolphins at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja to brighten their chances of retaining the title they won last season having garnered 63 points with a game left against relegation-haunted Lobi Stars.
Bayelsa United rallied to a 2-1 win over Kwara United to remain second on the log with 61 points.
Samuel Akinbinu scored twice in the 16th and 21st minute for Shooting Stars Sports Club to help the team secure a 2-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan but the effort was not good enough to move the position of the Oluyole warlords from the last on the log.
.............
Globacom Premier League table, matches played and points

1 Kano Pillars         37   63

2 Bayelsa United    37   61

3 El-Kanemi        37   60

4 Enyimba            37   59

5 Rangers             37   55

6 Sharks              37   53

7 Warri Wolves     37   52

8 Heartland        37   52

9 Sunshine Stars   37   52

10 Gombe United    37   52

11 Dolphins        37   50

12 Akwa United     37   50

13 ABS             37   50

14 Kaduna United   37   50

15 Kwara United    37   49

16 Nasarawa Utd    37   49

17 Lobi Stars      37   49

18 Nembe City      37   49

19 Wikki Tourists  37   49

20 Shooting Stars  37   46
........

Globacom Premier League Week 37 results:

Heartland        2         Rangers               1
Sharks            3         Nasarawa Utd     1
Sunshine         2         Enyimba               0
ABS              6          Nembe City        1
3SC               2         Warri Wolves       0
Akwa Utd      3         Kaduna Utd        2
Bayelsa Utd    2        Kwara Utd          1
Wikki            1         Gombe Utd         0
Kano Pillars   1        Dolphins              0
El-Kanemi    1         Lobi Stars            0
............
Week 38 fixtures, October 20

Nasarawa Utd     vs Heartland
Enyimba          vs Sharks
Nembe City       vs Sunshine Stars
Warri Wolves     vs ABS
Kaduna Utd       vs 3SC
Kwara Utd        vs Akwa United
Gombe Utd        vs Bayelsa Utd
Dolphins         vs Wikki Tourists
Lobi Stars       vs Kano Pillars
Rangers          vs El-Kanemi Warriors
..............
Caption: AbduRahman Bashir of ABS, who got a brace against Nembe City.

Globacom Premier League Update: Okorocha to witness Oriental war as Heartland, Rangers clash

GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State would be at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri tomorrow (Wednesday) as Heartland FC tackle Rangers of Enugu in a Globacom Premier League Week 37 game.
Media Officer of the Naze Millionaires, Cajetan Nkwopara said deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere after holding a meeting with members of the club disclosed the intention of Okorocha to watch the team's last home game of the season.
Rangers are in dire need of three points to brighten their chances of securing one of the continental tickets for 2014 as Heartland with 49 points equally need victory to escape relegation with an away game left.
Cash-strapped Heartland perhaps will not want to disappoint Okorocha this time knowing full well that only a win could impress the governor to annouce a lifeline for them after the game.
Skipper Chinedu Efugh speaking ahead of the oriental war said there is no hiding place for the Flying Antelopes in Owerri.
"We need this match than Rangers, they are eyeing the continental ticket but we are condemned to win in order to retain our slot in the premier league. It is surprising that we could end up in the middle of the table despite our impressive performance this season," said Efugh, a former Rangers captain.
Heartland who are battling their employers over unpaid sign-on fees lost 1-3 to Sharks in their last game in Port Harcourt. The team after the oriental battle are left with a game at Lafia against Nasarawa United billed for Sunday October 20.
...........

Globacom Premier League Week 37 fixtures (October 16)

Heartland    vs       Rangers
Sharks       vs        Nasarawa Utd
Sunshine     vs        Enyimba
ABS          vs        Nembe City
3SC          vs         Warri Wolves
Akwa         vs      Kaduna Utd
Bayelsa       vs     Kwara Utd
Wikki           vs     Gombe Utd
Kano Pillars vs     Dolphins
El-Kanemi    vs     Lobi Stars
...........

Gov's Cup Lagos Tennis: Nigerian female players in bad outings

NIGERIA'S Sarah Adegoke on Monday lost to Xi-Yao Wang of China 6-0, 6-0 in the women's singles of the ongoing 13th Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis championship at the Lawn Tennis Court, Onikan, Lagos.
Her compatriot Blessing Samuel also crashed out of the singles event of the first leg as she lost to number one seed Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia 6-0, 6-0 while Zarah Razafmahatratra of Madagascar also beat US-based Nigerian lady, Idia Amen 6-3, 6-2 to advance in the competition.
Women's singles number two seed, Nina Bratchikova dumped American Alexandra Riley 6-3, 6-3.
In the men's singles, Sani Adamu defeated another home boy Shehu Lawal 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 as
Clifford Enosoregbe dumped John Otu 6-1, 1-0 (retired) to advance in the tourney.
It was a historic moment for former junior player, Christian Paul who against all odds defeated Eric Vehovec of Canada 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 to move ahead in the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament as Ante Pavic of Croatia handed down defeat to home lad Edward Christopher Anefu 6-2, 6-0
Speaking after her loss, Adegoke said she was already thinking of the second leg tourney.
"I lost to a better player and the fact that I have not been training hard worked against me. My dad has been my only training partner and it has not been easy. I hope to do better next week, anyway," said the 15-year-old player.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Open champion, Shehu Lawal attributed his defeat to poor fitness.
"I got tired and was too weak to move around. But that's tennis for you, you can't win always I guess this wasn't my day," Lawal said.
Meanwhile, Bratchikova after her victory over the American opponent said: "This is my first game, I hope to take each match as it comes. I hope to do well this year".
..............................
Caption: Sarah Adegoke

Saraki gives ABS cow for Eid el-Kabir celebration

CHAIRMAN and Proprietor of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC, a Globacom Premier League side, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON) has given players and officials of the team a big cow to celebrate Eid el-Kabir.
Media officer of the Ilorin-based side, Bashir Jimoh made this known in a statement today saying the players were highly appreciateve of Saraki's gesture.
Muslims all over the world will celebrate this year's Eid el-Kabir on Tuesday.
The Sallah gift serves as a morale booster for the youthful ABS boys who will take on Nembe City in their last home of the season In Ilorin on Wednesday.
Saraki charged the team to win the remaining matches in the ongoing season so as to retain their slot in the elite cadre.
Meanwhile, Team Manager of ABS, Alloy Chukwuemeka assured that the team will do everything humanly possible to escape relegation saying "our target is to win the remaining two games that would see us through and I believe this is achievable with God on our side".
It will be recalled that ABS had at the weekend lost 0-1 to Enyimba in Aba in A week 36 game.
The team's last game of the season will be against Warri Wolves at the Warri City Stadium on Sunday, October 20.

Globacom Premier League Update: Abalogu shoots Enyimba back to top

As Namo scores 17th goal

ANDREW Abalogu's 70th minute goal was all what Enyimba FC needed to beat youthful Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin by a lone goal in a Globacom Premier League Week 36 game decided today in Aba.
Abalogu's goal took the People's Elephant back to the top of the log with 60 points amid superior goal difference of +16 over Kano Pillars who lost 0-1 to Gombe United at away to remain on the second spot with 60 points and +7 goal difference.
The hero of the match in Aba, Abalogu however, failed to celebrate after scoring following the position of his former team, ABS on the table.
"We were happy that Abalogu being one of our products is doing well in Enyimba. Honestly, we were taken aback when Abalogu  failed to celebrate after scoring, such attitude is very rare because most footballers would go on wild and even provocative jubilation when they scored against their former teams," an official of ABS owned up after the game.
Relegation-haunted Akwa United created the upset of the week with their sensational 1-0 victory recorded over Warri Wolves right at the Warri City Stadium. The scorer of the goal was Emmanuel Enize.
The defeat gave the Seasiders a setback in their bid to wrestle one of the  2014 continental tickets as they remain fourth on the log with 55 points.
Goal merchant, Victor Namo increased his goal tally to 17 this season with a lone strike which ensured Nasarawa United defeat Sunshine Stars of Akure by a lone goal.
The victory brightened the chances of the Sold Miners under veteran coach Kadiri Ikhana of retaining their slot in the elite division having garnered 49 points with two more games left.
Kwara United at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja settled for a 1-1 draw against visiting Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
The Tourists scored first in the 13th minute through Ibrahim Shuaibu before the Samson Unuanel-piloted side got the equaliser through Kabiru Sanusi.
...........
Results:

Globacom Premier League Week 36

Enyimba  1         ABS         0

Dolphins 1         Lobi        0

Nasarawa 1         Sunshine    0

Rangers  2         Sharks      0

Nembe    1         3SC         0

Gombe    2         Pillars     1

Heartland 1        El-Kanemi   0

Kaduna    1        Bayelsa     0

Kwara     1        Wikki       1

Wolves    0        Akwa Utd    1

.............
League table

Matches played, points & goal difs


1. Enyimba                        36   60   +16
2. Kano Pillars                   36   60   +07
3. Bayelsa Utd                   36   58   +03
4. Warri Wolves                 36   55   +14
5. Rangers                         36   55   +10
6. El-Kanemi                     36   55   +06
7. Gombe Utd                    36   52   -07
8. Sharks                           36   50    00
9. Dolphins                        36   50   -02
10. Kaduna Utd                 36   50   -09
11. Heartland                     36   49   +07
12. Sunshine                      36   49   +04
13. Kwara Utd                  36   49   +01
14. Nasarawa Utd             36   49   -04
15. Lobi Stars                   36   49   -06
16. Nembe City                 36   49   -13
17. ABS                            36   47   -12
18. Wikki                          36   46   -02
19. Akwa Utd                   36   44   -10
20. 3SC                          36   43   -05

Caption: Victor Namo of Nasarawa United.

Globacom Premier League Update: Week 36 games hold Saturday

Globacom Premier League Week 36 fixtures, Oct 12

Rangers            vs          Sharks
Nasarawa Utd       vs      Sunshine Stars
Enyimba            vs           ABS
Nembe City         vs        3SC
Warri Wolves       vs       Akwa United
Kaduna United      vs     Bayelsa Utd
Kwara United       vs      Wikki Tourists
Gombe United       vs     Kano Pillars
Dolphins           vs          Lobi Stars
Heartland          vs         El-Kanemi Warriors

.................
League table

Matches played, points & goal difs

1. Kano Pillars                  35   60   +08
2. Bayelsa Utd                   35   58   +04
3. Enyimba                       35   57   +15
4. Warri Wolves                  35   55   +15
5. El-Kanemi                     35   55   +07
6. Rangers                       35   52   +08
7. Sharks                        35   50   +02
8. Sunshine                      35   49   +05
9. Lobi Stars                    35   49   -05
10. Gombe Utd                    35   49   -08
11. Kwara Utd                    35   48   +01
12. Dolphins                     35   47   -03
13. Kaduna Utd                   35   47   -10
14. ABS                          35   47   -11
15. Heartland                    35   46   +06
16. Nasarawa Utd                 35   46   -05
17. Nembe City                   35   46   -14
18. Wikki                        35   45   -02
19. 3SC                          35   43   -04
20. Akwa Utd                     35   41   -11

APFON begs Kwara govt to support Sani Abacha's family

THE Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON) has appealed to the Kwara State government to as a matter of urgency assist the family of the late captain of Kwara United, Sani Abdullahi Abacha.
The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) defender who died in Ilorin last week left behind a pregnant wife, Bisola and three children.
APFON in a communique issued after a meeting in Ilorin also implored Kwara United, Enyimba FC, 3SC, Sharks FC, Lobi Stars and Gateway FC to provide gainful employment for the wife of the deceased as a way of empowerment.
The communique stated that the association equally approved the organisation of a charity match to raise fund for the family as a way of alleviating their predicament.
APFON while soliciting support for ex-footballers whose conditions are pathetic in retirement also urged the football authorities in various states and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to engage ex-footballers meaningfully, in all spheres of endeavours.
..............
Globacom Premier League Update:

Ubale's goal wreaks Enyimba in Lokoja

In what could be described as poetic justice, Kano Pillars on Tuesday recovered the three points they lost in the boardroom as they defeated Enyimba FC 1-0 in a rescheduled Globacom Premier League Week 29 game played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.
The hero of the match was substitute Manir Ubale whose header in the 90th minute beat goalkeeper Femi Thomas for the only goal of the match.
The Organising and Disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had first awarded the match to Enyimba following the crowd invasion witnessed when both sides met at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The homers were leading through Gambo Muhammed's strike before the encroachment of home fans
with three minutes remaining.
Ubale gave Pillars cause to rejoice at the end in a replay ordered by the appeal committee of NFF thus took his team back to the top of the log with 60 points.
Pillars are left with just one home game (against Dolphins week 37) and two away games against Gombe United (week 36) and Lobi Stars (week 38).
.......................
League table

Matches played, points & goal difs


1. Kano Pillars                   35   60   +09
2. Bayelsa Utd                   35   58   +03
3. El-Kanemi                     35   57   +09
4. Enyimba                        35   56   +11
5. Warri Wolves                35   52   +12
6. Rangers                        35   52   +10
7. Sharks                          35   50   +02
8. Sunshine                       35   49   +05
9. Gombe Utd                   35   49   -06
10. Lobi Stars                   35   49   -07
11. Kwara Utd                  35   48   +01
12. Dolphins                     35   47   -03
13. Kaduna Utd                35   47   -08
14. ABS                           35   47   -12
15. Heartland                    35   46   +08
16. Nasarawa Utd            35   46   -04
17. Nembe City               35   46   -14
18. Wikki                        35   45   -07
19. Akwa Utd                 35   44   -07
20. 3SC                          35   43   -04

Caption of the photograph: The late ex-Kwara United skipper, Sani Abacha

I'm in Liverpool to enjoy my football--Moses

NIGERIAN international Victor Moses has said that he is in Liverpool to exhibit his own brand of football that would earn the team goals.
The on-loan player from Chelsea told www.liverpoolfc.com that he is not under pressure whatsoever to deliver given the position of his manager, Brendan Rodgers.
"I'm confident with wherever the manager wants to play me. So, for me, it's just about enjoying my football. The manager has said he wants me to go out there and enjoy my football, create and score goals. I'm very comfortable with the No. 10 role. I don't really mind wherever I play up front," said Moses who scored on his debut for Liverpool in a 2-2 draw with Swansea at the Stadium of Light.
The former Crystal Palace forward stated that his main preoccupation is to offer support for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge upfront.
"We all know Suarez and Sturridge are both great strikers and probably two of the best strikers in the Premier League at the moment. Suarez coming back is a big boost for us and linking up with Sturridge up front is really vital for us this season.
"I think they can both do as well as they want this season as a pair of strikers. The most important thing is that they score for us. I can see them both scoring more goals in every game because their link-up play is incredible. I'm just here to do my job and try to support them in any way that I can to make sure that they score more goals," said the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner.
Moses who is among the players listed by coach Stephen Keshi for the October 13 World cup
play-off with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa also acknowledged that he is undergoing tutorial in Liverpool.
"Daniel (Sturridge) is the same in training as he is in the games. You can learn a lot from him because he is an experienced player as well," Moses owned up. "I've played a lot of games and I've been around him a lot, and it's a pleasure to play alongside him."
Moses had tweeted after scoring on debut for The Reds that: “Good point for us but disappointed not to win the game. Amazing feeling to score my first #LFC goal”.

Globacom Premier League update: I won't lose sleep over Enyimba--Ganaru

Kano Pillars chief tactician Mohammed Baba Ganaru is confident that Enyimba will fall in a rescheduled Globacom Premier League Week 31 game.
The grudge match holds on Wednesday, October 9 at the Lokoja Township Stadium, Kogi State.
Ganaru said his team had no option but to accept the decision of the Appeal Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which ordered a replay in good faith.
"I am confident that we will win the match, we are not worried at all. We have what it takes to beat Enyimba regardless of venue and my players know this. There is nothing to worry about," said the former El-Kanemi Warriors sweat merchant.
The league title holders were leading by a lone goal at the first meeting in Kano through Gambo Muhammed's strike until the game was disrupted after pitch invasion by home fans with three remaining.
Pillars are third on the log with 57 points while Enyimba follow with 54 points.
...............
League table

Matches played, points & goal difs

1. Bayelsa Utd                   35   58   +03
2. El-Kanemi                     35   57   +09
2. Kano Pillars                   34   57   +08
4. Enyimba                        34   54   +12
5. Warri Wolves                35   52   +12
6. Rangers                         35   52   +10
7. Sharks                          35   50   +02
8. Sunshine                        35   49   +05 
9. Gombe Utd                  35   49   -06
10. Lobi Stars                  35   49   -07
11. Kwara Utd                 35   48   +01
12. Dolphins                     35   47   -03 
13. Kaduna Utd                35   47   -08 
14. ABS                           35   47   -12
15. Heartland                     35   46   +08
16. Nasarawa Utd             35   46   -04
17. Nembe City                 35   46   -14
18. Wikki                          35   45   -07
19. Akwa Utd                   35   44   -07
20. 3SC                            35   43   -04

Caption: Baba Ganaru

Ayalogu: The emergence of another 'Arugo Monkey' in Nigerian football

GODWIN Ayalogu was indeed the hero of the Globacom Premier League Week 35 game played on Wednesday in Akure saving two penalty kicks to force Sunshine Stars settle for a 1-1 draw with his team Rangers of Enugu.
Ayalogu, a former Ebonyi Angels goaltender first saved the spot-kick taken by Sunday Emmanuel
which would have given Sunshine Stars the lead right in the 18th minute of the game.
His brilliance gingered his outfield teammates to take the lead later as Chinedu Udeagha put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 39th minute; before Sunshine rallied to a leveller in the second half through Philip Auta.
It was the day Ayalogu was destined to be a hero as he stopped another spot-kick awarded Sunshine Stars in the dying minutes of the match taken by Christian Josiah.
His heroics forced many faithful of Sunshine Stars to leave the stadium back home in sad mood but back in Enugu wormed himself into the hearts of the die-hard fans of the Flying Antelopes.
Ayalogu has no doubt become another Chijioke Ejiogwu 'Arugo Monkey' of Nigerian football as observed by followers of local league.
Ejiogwu discovered by Arugo FC of Owerri later starred for Julius Berger, Dolphins, Akwa United, Enyima, Heartland and now Sharks is famous for his art of saving penalty kicks which often helped his teams to win games and at times escape defeats.
The former Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) FC goalkeeper was equally amazed at his heroics in Akure.
"I am so happy saving two penalties at an away game and I'm happy that the effort was good enough to save us from defeat. We played well not to lose and thank God we came out with a point," Ayalogu remarked.

Caption: Rangers goalkeeper, Godwin Ayalogu

Ex-Kwara Utd player, Sani Abacha dies.

 Ex-Kwara Utd player, Sani Abacha dies
FORMER skipper of Kwara United died in Ilorin late Wednesday night. He was said to be hale and hearty before he slumped in his residence and later died in an hospital in Ilorin.
His remains were interred today in Ilorin.
Abacha survived by a pregnant wife, Bisola and three children, two girls and a boy, hailed from Kogi State. He also played for Enyimba, Sharks and Gateway FC of Abeokuta during his time.

The former Shooting Stars Sports Club defender was a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ilorin until his death and owner of Shining Stars FC of Ilorin.
He had two caps with the Super Eagles in the late 1990s and was one of the players who played for 3SC in the 1996 Champions Cup now CAF Champions League.
...............
Globacom Premier League Update: Wolves get boardroom points

THE appeal committee of the Nigeria Football Federation today (October 3) in Abuja awarded three points and three goals to Warri Wolves after their Globacom Premier League Week 29 with Kwara United in Ilorin was disrupted by home fans.
The Organising and Disciplinary committee had earlier ordered the inconclusive match  be replayed in Abuja on September 29 before the Seasiders appealed the decision which was upheld.
Interestingly, the Afonja Warriors also lost 0-2 to Kano Pillars in a 58th minute game decided today in Kaduna. Pillars were leading 1-0 courtesy of an own goal by defender Uche John before a downpour halted the game yesterday.
Pillars today added a goal in the 71st minute through Promise James to make the scoreline 2-0 leaving the defending champions now second on the log with 57 points behind Bayelsa United.
Meanwhile, the appeal committee also ordered that the abandoned Week 31 league match between Kano Pillars and Enyimba be replayed at the Lokoja Township Stadium on Wednesday, October 9.
Pillars were leading 1-0 with three minutes remaining before their faithful encroached on the pitch at the Sani Abacha Stadium while the People's Elephant capitalised on the incident to stop play.
The O&D in its ruling then awarded the match to the Aba side before the appeal committee of NFF overruled the decision today in Abuja.
Enyimba after a 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars Sports club (3SC) in a mid-week game at the Lekan Salami Stadium stayed back at their hotel lodge around Oke Ado, Ibadan.
An informed source said the reigning Federation Cup champions will remain in Ibadan till weekend before heading for Lokoja where they will also rest enough before the grudge game against Kano Pillars.
...........

League table

Matches played, points & goal difs


1. Bayelsa Utd                35   58   +03
2. Kano Pillars                34   57   +08 
2. Enyimba                     34   54   +12
4. Warri Wolves             35   52   +12
5. Rangers                     35   52   +11
6. El-Kanemi                 34   52   +05 
7. Sharks                      35   50   +02
8. Sunshine  Stars          35   49   +05 
9. Gombe Utd               35   49   -06
10. Lobi Stars               35   49   -07
11. Kwara Utd              35   48   +01
12. Dolphins                  34   47   -01 
13. Kaduna Utd           34   47   -08 
14. ABS                      35   47   -12
15. Heartland              35   46   +08
16. Nasarawa Utd       35   46   -04
17. Nembe City           35   46   -14
18.. Wikki                   35   45  -07
19. Akwa Utd             35   44   -07
20.. 3SC                     35   43   -04

Globacom Premier League Update: Sunshine in penalty drama in Akure

SUNSHINE Stars today lost two penalty kicks in their Globacom Premier League Week 35 match at the Akure Sports Stadium to settle for a 1-1 draw with visiting Rangers FC of Enugu.
Sunday Emmanuel first lost the spot-kick awarded the Akure-based side in the 18th minute as Rangers later in the 39th minute shot into lead through Chinedu Udeagha's solo effort.
Philip Auta on resumption for the second half equalised for Sunshine.
The homers again through Christian Josiah wasted the spot-kick that would have earned them the maximum points in the dying minutes of the match.
Rangers finished the match with 10 men following the marching orders received by Christian Madu in the 66th minute over his unsporting behaviour.
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, the woes of relegation-haunted Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) were compounded as they forced Enyimba FC to a 1-1 draw.
Andrew Abalogu put the People's Elephant ahead in the 55th minute before 3SC rallied to a leveller through the spot-kick converted by defender Francis Edem in the 82nd minute.
Sharks FC were truly at home in the Garden City as they hammered Heartland FC 3-1 in another mid-week fixture.
Sharks opened the scoring through Jonah Abutu's magnificent free-kick in the 25th minute while Thompson Stowe increased the lead in the 60th minute with a grounder.
The cash-strapped Heartland reduced the tally through Isah Akor Umoru four minutes later with
a long range shot.
Omoniwari Fortune put the game beyond dispute in the 90th minute with a free-kick which caught goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi helpless.
Bayelsa United smiled home with three points courtesy of Azubuike Okechukwu's goal against
Warri Wolves after a goalless first half at the Samson Siasia stadium, Yenegoa.
The Ladan Bosso-piloted side are now on top of the log with 58 points, one ahead of Enyimba as both sides have three games left to know who clinches the coveted trophy.
..............
Pillars, Kwara Utd back to pitch at 9am Thursday

THE inconclusive Globacom Premier League Week 35 match betweek Kano Pillars and Kwara United will kick off at 9am tomorrow (Thursday) in Kaduna.
The match was called off on Wednesday due to a downpour right in the 32nd minute with Pillars leading 1-0 courtesy of an own goal by Uche John in the sixth minute.
Also, El-Kanemi Warriors will confront Dolphins of Port Harcourt in another Week 35 game tomorrow.
The match was shifted by the League Monitoring Company (LMC) based on the complaints of
Dolphins concerning their safety in the road trip to Maiduguri.
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League table
Matches played, points & goal difs

1. Bayelsa Utd        35   58   +03
2. Enyimba             35   57   +15 
3. Kano Pillars       33   54   +06 
4. Rangers             34   52   +11
5. El-Kanemi         34   52   +05 
6. Sharks               35   50   +02
7. Warri Wolves    34   49   +09 
8. Sunshine           35   49   +05 
9. Gombe Utd       35   49   -06
10. Lobi Stars       35   49   -07
11. Kwara Utd     33   48   +06
12. Dolhins           34   47   -01 
13. Kaduna Utd    34   47   -08 
14. ABS               35   47   -12
15. Heartland        35   46   +08
16. Nasarawa       35   46   -04
17. Nembe City    35   46   -14
18. Akwa Utd      35   44   -07
19. 3SC               35   43   -04
20. Wikki              34   42   -07

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Globacom Premier League Week 35 results

Sharks              3        Heartland       1
Sunshine Stars  1         Rangers         1
ABS                1         Nasarawa      0
3SC                 1        Enyimba         1
Akwa Utd        0        Nembe City    0
Bayelsa Utd     1        W/Wolves       0
Wikki Tourists  2        Kaduna Utd    0
Lobi Stars       2        Gombe Utd      0

Caption: Daniel Akpeyi of Heartland FC, beaten thrice today in the Garden City.

Globacom Premier League Update: Enyimba will fall in Ibadan-3SC coach

COACH of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Hakeem Busari believes nothing will stop Enyimba FC from leaving Ibadan empty-handed when both sides clash in a Globacom Premier League Week 35 fixture tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Busari aware of the precarious position of the Oluyole Warriors on the log says the strategy to tame the People's Elephant has been designed waiting to be executed.
"We know what to expect from Enyimba and we are fully prepared for it. Our target is to get the three points at stake and we will work hard to achieve this. yes we lost in Aba in the first round but the situation on the ground is not about vengeance.
"There is no doubt that we will be playing under pressure because we are already in the relegation zone but we will try as much as possible to remain calm throughout the game. we won't lose focus and I believe we have what it takes to beat Enyimba.
"Of course yes, our target is to escape relegation and we remain hopeful that 3SC will play in the premier league next season because we are left with four more games and so, it is not yet over until it's over," said Busari.
The relegation-haunted side will no doubt miss its leading scorer, Gbolahan Salami who has been axed by the organising and Disciplinary Committee (o&D) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for his unsporting behaviour during the ill-fated Week 30 clash with Sunshine Stars in Akure.
However, 3Sc will bank on Philip Asuquo, Tony Edjomariegwe, Osagona Ighodaro, Gabriel Adiukwu
and veteran defender Mutiu Adegoke, among others to force Enyimba leading the log with 56 points out of Ibadan empty-handed.
In another mid-week thriller, banished Kano Pillars will for the first time play Kwara United home away from home as the match is scheduled to hold at the Lokoja Township Stadium.
The Sai Maisugida exponents were humiliated out of Ilorin in the first round after the Samson Unuanel boys recorded a convincing 3-0 victory.
Pillars who are third on the table with 54 points are in dire need of three points to remain in contention for the race to retain the title which they won last year, just as Kwara United are already in cloud nine that the match will hold on a neutral ground this time.
Meanwhile, the match between El-Kanemi Warriors and Dolphins Fc in Maiduguri has been shifted to Thursday according a source close to the League Monitoring Company (LMC) in line with the
prayer of the Garden city side over complaints bothering on their safety.
............

League table
Matches played, points & goal difs

1. Enyimba              34   56   +15 
2. Bayelsa Utd        34   55   +03 
3. Kano Pillars        33   54   +06 
4. El-Kanemi          34   52   +05 
5. Rangers              33   51   +11 
6. Warri Wolves     33   49   +09 
7. Gombe Utd        34   49   -06 
8. Kwara Utd         33   48   +06 
9. Sunshine            34   48   +05 
10. Sharks             34   47   +02 
11. Dolhins            34   47   -01 
12. Kaduna Utd    34   47   -08 
13. Heartland        34   46   +08
14. Nasarawa       34   46   -04
15. Lobi Stars       34   46   -07
16. Nembe City    34   45   -14
17. ABS               34   44   -12
18. Akwa Utd      34   43   -07
19. 3SC                34   42   -04
20. Wikki              33   39   -07

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Globacom Premier League Week 35 fixtures, Wednesday, October 2

Sharks          vs       Heartland
Sunshine Stars  vs   Rangers
ABS             vs      Nasarawa Utd
3SC             vs      Enyimba 
Akwa Utd      vs    Nembe City
Bayelsa Utd     vs   Warri Wolves
Wikki Tourists  vs   Kaduna United
Kano Pillars    vs     Kwara United
Lobi Stars      vs     Gombe United
El-Kanemi       vs   Dolphins
...........
Caption: Shooting Stars players celebrate after scoring during a premier league match in Ibadan.