The curtain was drawn on the Glo Nigerian Premier League 2012/2013 season yesterday across the various stadia in the country. Kano Pillars, despite the loss to Lobi Stars of Makurdi were crowned champions even as their closest rival, Bayelsa United equally lost by a lone goal to Gombe United. Unlike the controversies that trailed last season where the Baribote Rumson led Nigeria Premier League board cooked the controversy that made Enugu Rangers loose the six points garnered against Ocean Boys and the eventual winners, Kano Pillars lost the one point garnered against Ocean Boys and the title handed on a platter of gold to Kano Pillars, this season was almost devoid of such issues. The only major talking point being the disparity between the League Management Committee and Nigerian Football Federation's decision on the award of points arising from Enyimba's visit to Kano which ended as supporters invaded d field. The LMC ruled and awarded maximum points to Enyimba but the NFF overruled and asked for a replay at the Lokoja Stadium. A game Pillars went on to win in Extra time. In fairness to Pillars, they have been outstanding all season so the win came as no surprise to the Nigerian football community. What however worries observers is the seeming no cordial relationship between the League Management Committee and the Nigerian Football Federation. Apart from the above, the just concluded season was all square.
Kano Pillars became only the second team to win back to back league titles in ten years after the feat was originally put in place by the all conquering Enyimba side of the Orji Uzo Kalu years as Abia state governor. Pillars scored a lot of goals and won a lot of crucial games. Coming on the back of the cash and car rewards received by the players and management of Kano Pillars for their victory last season by the Kano State government, the team was motivated to keep the pressure on their nearest rivals. On the final day of the season that saw Pillars loose 0 - 2 to Lobi Stars, Bayelsa United lost 0-1 to Gombe United, Enyimba defeated Sharks 1-0 while El Kanemi lost to Rangers 1-0 in Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the table arranged itself at the end of the day. The results not withstanding, Pillars topped the table, followed closely by Enyimba, Bayelsa United and El Kanemi. Relegated teams are Kwara United, ABS, Wikki Tourists and 3SC.
It is still noteworthy that Kano Pillars are one of the few teams in the Glo Premier League that exhibit beautiful football artistry. With a confident back line, a hardworking midfield and a NOT goal shy attack, they mesmerized opponents. They did not loose a single game at home. A record they have had for many years. That record, join Enyimba's record of not conceding a single goal at home as the most prominent records of the just concluded season. Nigerian league followers are expecting a better organized league next season owing to the recent deal signed by the LMC and Supersports.
Indeed, Kano Pillars are worthy champions.
No comments:
Post a Comment