8th December, 2010
Paul Aigbogun’s men climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) after edging Lobi Stars 2 – 1 last Sunday at the Warri City Stadium in a Week 5 clash.
But it was Efe Yarhere that ensured that Warri Wolves got full points to topple Gombe United, who had been on top after their lone goal win over Ocean Boys.
The game in Warri, which produced three goals in all, was not a one-way procession with Tochukwu Mbachu and Yarhere scoring for Wolves while Victor Barnabas netted his third goal of the campaign for Lobi Stars.
Before the kick off in Warri, Aigbogun’s Wolves knew that they would rise to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Lobi Stars after coming away with all three points at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH Football Club in Week 4.
Mbachu set Wolves on the path of a second consecutive win this season with a superb strike on the stroke of half time.
But Wolves were stunned when Barnabas blasted Lobi Stars back into the game just 17Â minutes into the restart.
Sensing that Lobi Stars were dominating in the middle of the pack, Aigbogun brought in Gift Atulewa for Ebuka Okafor and the change paid off with Yarhere grabbing the winner 12 minutes to full time to ensure that Wolves keep their unbeaten start and go top of the log with 11 points, one ahead of Gombe United.
At Ilaro, newcomers, Crown Football Club, stunned former champions, Kano Pillars, two-nil with second half goals from Harrison Egbune and Bode Daniel.
Champions, Enyimba, left it late to inflict a second defeat on Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC with goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu converting from the spot after striker Kalu Uche was fouled inside the penalty area.
Two goals from penalties inside the last five minutes to half time meant Kaduna United and Juth FC shared points at the Kaduna Township Stadium.
It was Enugu Rangers that got the biggest result of Matchday 5 with a 5–1 thumping of Zamfara United.
Musa Najire, Brendan Ogbu, Ugonna Uzochukwu and a double from veteran Emeka ‘Ayaya’ Nwanna, in his first start this season, put Zamfara United to the sword with Anas Abdullahi netting their consolation on 50 minutes.
Also, Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, Gombe United and Sharks, who are the other unbeaten side this season, won their games at home.
—Tunde Oyedele
