Dolphins hold Kano Pillars, Enyimba beat Nasarawa United 2-0

Players of Dolphins of Port Harcourt, who just got part of their outstanding salaries and match bonuses, yesterday displayed an unusual fighting spirit at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where they held defending champions, Kano Pillars to a 2-2 draw.

Dolphins and sister club, Sharks, were among the sports clubs owed several months of salaries and other emoluments by the immediate past administration in Rivers State, but the players were reportedly paid their entitlements last week.

Perhaps, that contributed to the determination of the payers to leave the Sani Abacha Stadium with at least a point. That they did through a late rally inspired by substitute, Ifeanyi Egwim.

Home team, Pillars, who had a greater share of the game early on, took the lead in the 19th minute when Adamu Mohammed tucked away a rebound after Dolphins’ goalkeeper, Godwin Ayalogu, failed to hold a free kick by Eneji Otekpa.

Pillars doubled the lead just after the resumption for the second half when Aniefiok Godspower beat Ayalogu from almost 25 yards.

Dolphins, however, reduced the tally in the 68th minute through Godbless Asamoah, who tucked in an Ifeanyi Egwin shot spilled by Pillars’ goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai.

Zikiye made Dolphins comeback complete with the equaliser in the 79th minute off a cross by Ayo Saka.

In other games yesterday, Enyimba defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 with goals by Christian Obiozor (12th minute) and George Ifeanyi in the 52nd minute.

Bayelsa United beat Kwara United 2-0, Taraba were held to a 1-1 draw by 3SC, FC IfeanyiUbah suffered their first home defeat to Wikki
Tourists, who beat them 0-1, Lobi Stars defeated Abia Warriors 2-0, Sharks held Heartland 1-1, while the match between Akwa United and Warri Wolves ended 1-1 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.