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.
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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

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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

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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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