DOLPHINS, SUNSHINE, TORNADOES, PILLARS RECORD HISTORIC DOUBLE

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) quartet of Dolphins, Sunshine Stars, Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars entered the history books with double victories over their respective opponents this term.

All the four teams defeated their opponents at home and equally won during their road trips.

Table-topping Dolphins proved its readiness to win its third NPL title with the first double this term over struggling Plateau United. A brace from Victor Michael and Johnson Olewezi's last minute goal confirmed Dolphins' superiority over the visitor, now coached by former Super Eagles' assistant coach, Bitrus Bewerang on Saturday, May 14.

On the first day of the season, Plateau United was unprepared for the Herculean task ahead in the top-flight. Dolphins' Owusu Addae spoilt Plateau United's first match in the elite class on November 7, 2010, after its promotion from the lower division.

Twenty-four hours after Dolphins recorded the double over Plateau United, Minna-based Niger Tornadoes equalled the feat.

Tornadoes had earlier defeated Crown 1-0 during their first round tie on November 7, 2010 and recorded a 3-2 victory at Ilaro to compound the woes of the struggling side.

It was the turn of Kano Pillars on Thursday, May 19, as Bukola Babes couldn't contend with the fireworks produced by the former NPL champion. A Rabiu Ali goal, gave Pillars the double over Bukola, which was undefeated at its adopted home ground, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, throughout the first round of the season.

Pillars had earlier defeated Bukola by a lone goal on November 14, 2010.

On May 22, Plateau United earned the infamous record as the first team in the NPL to lose maximum points at home and away twice. Second-placed Sunshine Stars repeated the feat recorded by Dolphins over the Jos side. Sunshine got a road trip victory on November 20, 2010 and completed the damage on May 22, 2011. The first meeting ended 1-0, while Sunshine completed the double with a 4-1 annihilation of the team.

Interestingly, Sunshine's forward, Ukeyima Akombo, became the first player in the NPL to score against one team in two matches this term. Plateau United will find it difficult to forget the former Sweden and Finland-based forward, who scored the goal during last November's road trip and again hit a brace in the second meeting.