January, 16 2024.
_Rabiu Ali Savours Investiture As NPFL's G-O-A-T_
Day-18 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) were rounded off yesterday, with Rivers United winning a gigantic South-South derby, against Akwa United FC of Uyo.
Rivers United, who went into the game with just 17 points, and ranked 18th in the table, after 13 matches; fell behind in the 7th minute, as Akwa United drew first blood, through Wisdom Ndon; whose goal stunned supporters of the home side.
But the Adokieye Amasiamaka Stadium, in Port Harcourt, was not to be silenced for too long, as Adamu Abubakar made it 1-all in the 27th, before scoring again in the 73rd minute to complete his brace; and ensured the win for Stanley Eguma's men.
The 2-1 victory saw the Pride of Rivers who still have four matches in hand, catapulted from 18th in the table to 13th, on 20 points; whilst Akwa United dropped from 17th position in the log, to 18th, with 18 points from 18 games played, thus far.
Meanwhile, captain of four-time NPFL champions, Rabiu Ali aka Rambo has been honoured and invested with the title of Greatest of All Time (G-O-A-T) in Nigeria's domestic football.
The investiture took place on the sideline of Monday's rearranged Day 18 fixture of the 2023/24 season, as Kano Pillars fought back to hold Lobi Stars to a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Lafia Township Stadium.
While the shared points ended the 100% home wins record of the Makurdi-based side, the club took solace that they are now the clear leaders of the log, with 33 points; one ahead of Remo Stars of Ikenne, who were beaten 2-0 by Katsina United FC; for whom Emmanuel Okoko scored twice, in a 2-0 defeat of Remo Stars, at the Mohammadu Dikko Stadium, on Monday.
The loss, meant the Sky Blues from Ikenne-Remo remained on 32 points, one point adrift of Lobi Stars; while Plateau United of Jos and Doma United FC of Gombe who are level on 31 points, are now 3rd and 4th in the table.
The investiture of Rabiu Ali, who is also known as Pele, by his admirers, amongst fans of the Sai-Masugida; was graced by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Jafaru Angie; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Isaac Danladi; former Executive Secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association of Nigeria, Aloy Chukwuemeka; Senior Media Aide of the Minister of Sports, Kola Daniel; Vice Chairman & CEO of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa; Chairman of Gombe United FC, Malam Abubakar Danfulani; and Super Eagles legend, Garba Lawal.
All these dignitaries teamed up to bestow on the 42-year-old midfield-ace the award, who despite his status as the oldest player in the NPFL is still "balling", and revered not only in the North, but all of Nigeria; www.ckdmedia.ng reports.
The player who is said to have been discovered by one Coach Gboro, was decorated with a pair of beautiful garlands, and one of his most outstanding achievements, other than being part of the Pillars team that once dominated the NPFL, and winning four titles in that era; was steering the team back to the top flight, in just one season, that's after they got relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), at the end of the 2021/22 season.
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