D-Day for Pillars, Bayelsa Utd

The title race is now a straight fight between defending Champions Kano Pillars FC and former champions Bayelsa United.Had Enyimba not lost 2-0 to Sunshine Stars of Akure in their midweek encounter, it would have been a three horse race. However, that defeat has put paid to Enyimba’s sixth title ambition.As it is, all eyes […]

The title race is now a straight fight between defending Champions Kano Pillars FC and former champions Bayelsa United.
Had Enyimba not lost 2-0 to Sunshine Stars of Akure in their midweek encounter, it would have been a three horse race. However, that defeat has put paid to Enyimba’s sixth title ambition.
As it is, all eyes will be on two centres- the Late Chief Emmanuel Akume Atongo stadium Katsina-ala where Lobi Stars who are battling to escape relegation will take on Pillars and the Pantami stadium Gombe where Gombe United will play host to Bayelsa United.
Consequently, the league organisers will parade trophies at these two venues in anticipation of who eventually wins the 2012/2013 season. With 63 points, Pillars will easily lift the trophy, if they can beat Lobi Stars to end with 66 points. This means even if Bayelsa beat Gombe, the former champions will end with only 64 points.
However, as things stand, Lobi on 49 points need the three points to stand any chance of surviving the drop. The Benue State team will therefore go all out for victory against Pillars. Even if Lobi beat Pillars, and Gombe defeat Bayelsa, Pillars will still top the table with 63 because Bayelsa will stop at 61 points. And if Gombe and Bayelsa draw and Pillars lose to Lobi by any margin, the ‘Masu Gida’ boys will still retain their title.
So therefore, the title race will swing in favour of Bayelsa United only if they can pull a surprise victory in Gombe. However, if the status of Pantami stadium as slaughter slab’ remains, it will be practically impossible for Bayelsa to escape defeat tomorrow.
If the unexpected does not happen in Gombe, Pillars will remain champions no matter the result in Makurdi.