NPFL: Enyimba dim Akure Stars, Insurance beat Lobi
Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Enyimba of Aba extended their unbeaten run against Sunshine Stars of Akure to eight after recording a hard-fought 1-0 win on Saturday.
Mbaoma Chijoke scored the match-winner from the penalty spot in additional time of the first half to secure victory for George Finidi’s side.
Before the game, Enyimba had won five and drawn two of their last encounters against Sunshine Stars who last defeated The Aba Elephants in Nigeria’s topflight game on November 20, 2019, in Akure.
Enyimba remains fourth with 19 points from 11 games. They will face Katsina United in their next game on Sunday.
In Gombe, league leaders Doma United secured a 1-0 victory against Tornadoes.
The hosts were made to sweat to see out the nervy win courtesy of Nelson Abiam’s header in the first half.
Also, it was the seventh consecutive clean sheet in 630 minutes of NPFL action for Osayi Kingdom who has been tipped to earn an invitation to the Super Eagles camp ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations billed for Ivory Coast.
Reacting to his heroics, Kingdom wrote on X, “If God be for who can be against me. Thank you Jesus for yet another clean sheet No.7 in a row and nine altogether
“Your greatness, God it’s beyond description, your love towards me it’s so amazing and your name is above all.”
Doma, unbeaten in their last seven league outings, now leads the log with 21 points from 11 games. They are scheduled to face Kwara United in their next game.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Bendel Insurance edged Lobi Stars 1-0 in Benin.
A late goal from Junior Osaghae in the 95th-minute goal secured the win for the Benin Arsenals. The win moves Monday Odige’s side up to a fifth position with 17 points while Lobi Stars maintain the second spot pending Remo Stars’ fixture at home to Plateau United on Sunday (today).
In Eket, struggling Akwa United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kwara United on Saturday.
Uche Collins scored the opener from the spot kick in the 40th minute after Abbey Benson handled Salomon Chigoziem’s cross inside the box but Yusuf Sadeeq drew level two minutes later for Kwara United.
