By Clement Nwankpa Jr
Matchday 30 recorded some interesting results as the battle for the title, continental slots and survival got fiercer. Here are 10 things we learnt...
(1) FOR ABS FC, RELEGATION BATTLE IS REAL
ABS' dip in form and fortunes is amazing. The Saraki Boys had started the season on a high maintaining a top-four place for a long while. Not many would have predicted they would be in this precarious situation. But after picking one in the last nine points, they are now in 18th place and face the threat of heading back to NNL. They lost 0-1 to Wikki, who in contrast, has a better run since the second stanza. ABS are in a position Wikki languished for the better part of the first stanza.
(2) MFM FC's POOR AWAY FORM CONTINUES
If MFM must mount a genuine challenge for the title, they have to get results away from home. Agege Stadium has become a fortress of some sorts but it is the margins with which the Olukoya Boys lose away matches that is worrying. They boast the league's top scorer, Stephen Odey, who must now be more concerned with scoring more on away soil to improve his team's fortunes. They have pushed league leaders, Plateau United this far but one thing they are doing differently is not picking points on the road. How many times have we now seen them succumb so easily as they did in the 0-2 loss to Rangers in Enugu?
(3) UDI, THE REAL DEAL
Sunshine Stars' recruitment of Duke Udi as Austine Eguavoen's replacement appears the clincher. With the 1-0 defeat of Rivers United, Sunshine Stars have now been involved in the last three away victories in the NPFL. Winning twice on the road and losing once at at home. Udi explains that the feat is possible because playing in Ijebu-Ode, the team now sees every ground as home. His coming has coincided with the team navigating out of the red line. This is a complete contrast from Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma whose place has come under threat. The team were widely hailed to have recruited some of the best legs in the league but the results don't say that much.
(4) OKPOTU FIRES 65th NPFL GOAL
Lobi Stars striker Anthony Okpotu scored his 65th goal in the Nigerian top-flight in the 1-2 loss to Enyimba in Calabar. It is his 14th of the season that he has notched two hat-tricks. A true measure of class and consistency to know his next goal would be a landmark one and still went ahead to achieve it at first time of asking.
(5) PLATEAU UNITED COMMITTED TO WINNING A FIRST TITLE
Like Rangers last season, Plateau United have refused to give up the top spot. And just as Rangers' jinx-breaking exploits last season, Plateau United's triumph will be historic. It will be their first title ever. They appear driven by that quest and are grinding out the results. They beat FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium to sustain a five point lead.
(6) REMO STARS LOSING THIS RELEGATION BATTLE
Considering Remo Stars' position, there are oppositions they should not afford to drop points against. Shooting Stars are one of them. Both teams have been involved in the survival struggle for the greater part of the season. Shooting Stars earned a 1-1 draw in Sagamu to boost their chances of survival.
(7)...GOMBE UNITED TOO
Nineteenth-placed Gombe United drew 0-0 with Niger Tornadoes in Gombe. This was one match they were expected to pick maximum points. Their survival chances are dwindling by each matchday.
(8) ARIWA, ALHASSAN WORRY FOR CHAN EAGLES
It is looking like Akwa United could stretch Plateau United till the last days for the title. Such results as the 0-0 draw with Abia Warriors in Umuahia highlight this. But the result came at some price, injuries to CHAN Eagles invitees Emmanuel Ariwachukwu and Ibrahim Alhassan. Ahead of the CHAN camp opening on Monday, chief coach Salisu Yusuf will hope the injuries are not serious.
(9) KATSINA UNITED EDGE CLOSER TO SURVIVAL
At the beginning of the season, Katsina United were one of the bookmakers' favourites for relegation. But thanks to their good form at home, they are safe, at least on paper. The 1-0 defeat of Kano Pillars brought them one more step towards an extended stay at the top-flight.
(10) ZENKE JUSTIFIES CHAN SELECTION
What a response from wing wizard, Thomas Zenke after being listed in the CHAN Eagles. Ahmed Hassan's goals may have made the difference on the scoreboard as Nasarawa United beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in Lafia, but Zenke was easily the man of the match. He was all over the place and assisted Hassan's second goal. This writer was shocked that Plateau United's Philip Azango didn't make the CHAN Eagles (though it is believed he was away on trials) but Zenke fills that Azango void. He is the right-footed version of Azango.