…As Kano Pillars force Lobi Stars to 0-0 draw in Makurdi
Former African champions, Enyimba emerged victorious as they fought back to beat neighbours Enugu Rangers 2-1 in yesterday’s ‘Oriental derby’ which was staged at the Awka township stadium.
Third placed Rangers took control of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) MatchDay 22 fixture as they drew the first blood when Ossy Martins gave them the lead in the 15th minute of the match.
However, Enyimba piled pressure on the visitors and drew level in the 32nd minute when Victor Mbaoma latched onto Adekunle Adeleke’s pass to finish brilliantly.
On resumption, Mbaoma grabbed his second of the evening and Enyimba winning goal when his header in the 68th minute beat Seidu Mutawakilu in goal for Rangers.
Despite the loss, Rangers have retained their position on the table as the top five positions remain unchanged until other week 22 matches are played today.
At the Aper Aku stadium Makurdi, Lobi Stars failed to pull down Kano Pillars who stood firm to take back their pound of flesh from the ‘Pride of Benue’.
Lobi Stars Raphael Ayagwa found the back of the net in the 84th minute of the keenly contested match but the referee ruled for offside.
It will be recalled that the reverse fixture between the two sides had ended in a 1-1 draw in Kaduna.
In other matches played yesterday, substitute, Musa Wakili scored Niger Tornadoes lone goal in the 87th minute to hand his side the slim 1-0 victory over visiting Wikki Tourists.
Tornadoes would have taken the lead before the second half but Mohammed Galadima stopped Segun Alebiosu’s spot kick in the 21st minute of the match.
Sunshine Stars also recorded a slim 1-0 victory over visiting Abia Warriors after Ejike Uzoechi scored from the spot in the 21st minute of the match.
And it was a good day in the office for relegation bound MFM who defeated Dakkada FC 2-0 in Lagos with Oluwaseun Badejo and Oladayo Alabi scoring a goal each in the second half of the match played in Lagos.
Week 22 matches continue today as Gombe United host Nasarawa United, Plateau United travel to Ilorin for a date with Kwara United while Akwa United host 3SC in Uyo.
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