The dark side of the Nigeria Premier League again raised it ugly head Wednesday evening as the mid-week fixture involving Gombe United and Shooting Stars of Ibadan ended in chaos and a Shooting Stars player allegedly stabbed.
According to a reliable source present in the stadium to watch the match, Gombe United fans went wild immediately after the final whistle despite winning the game 2-1 under questionable circumstances.
The source told Premium Times in a phone chat from the Pantami Stadium in Gombe; venue of the match, that 3SC players and officials were attacked by the rampaging Gombe United fans.
“3SC striker, Raheem Owolabi is in critical condition now after being stabbed by fans that took him hostage” the source said. ” My video recorder has been damaged and they have beaten players mercilessly, I just escaped from the stadium now.”
When contacted, Shooting Stars media officer, Arowolo Jubril, said “It is true we were attacked. It was hell in Gombe. I have never witnessed such in my life.”
The game
Gombe United had shot into the lead in the 35th minute courtesy of a well taken shot by Mathais Samuel. The voiceferous Gombe fans were however silenced when Tony Edjomarigwe, one of the new players just signed by Shooting Stars, scored the equaliser on resumption of the second half.
The home team got their winning goal in the 88th minute admist complaints by Shooting Stars of questionable officiating by the centre referee.
Mr. Tunji Babalola, Acting Secretary of the NPL, said the league body would only make a pronouncement on the issue once it gets the match commissioner’s report on the game.
Pillars on top
Meanwhile Kano Pillars kept firm grip of the top spot in the Nigeria Premier League as they emerged 2-1 winners in their home game against Rising Stars of Akure.
The match, played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, is one of the Week 22 matches that took place across the country on Wednesday evening.
With the victory, Pillars have opened a two-point lead on the table. The Pyramid Boys now have 36 points while their closest rivals , Rangers FC, Dolphins and Enyimba are all on 34 points.
It was the same scoreline in Kaduna and Bauchi as Dolphins and Rangers were able to get 1-1 away draws against Kaduna United and Wikki Tourist respectively.
However in Aba, Enyimba had a convincing 2-0 win over Kwara United while Ocean Boys nipped Niger Tornadoes by a lone to ease their relegation worries.
The last set of matches was between ABS and Warri Wolves which ended goalless and Jigawa Golden Stars defeated Sharks 2-1
Week 22 Results
Enyimba 2:0 Kwara utd
Kaduna utd 1:1 Dolphins
Kano Pillars 2:1 Rising Stars.
Ocean Boys 1:0 Niger Tornadoes
Wikki Tourist 1:1 Ranger Int’l
ABS 0:0 Warri Wolves
Gombe 2:1 3SC
Jigawa 2:1 Sharks.
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