Enyimba yesterday dislodged Lobi Stars on superior goal difference to occupy the top spot on the table after walloping embattled Gombe United 4-0 in one of the matchday 22 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Chijioke Mbaoma shone in the encounter, scoring twice, with Uche Collins who was once considered to be surplus to requirement at Akwa United adding another goal before Imo Obot’s fantastic free-kick completed the rout of the ‘Savannah Scorpions.’
Enyimba took the lead on the stroke of half time thanks to a penalty kick from Mbaoma, and the home team added to their lead in the second half. Nnachi took advantage of a defensive error to assist Mbaoma to score his second of the evening.
Uche Collins then capitalised on goalkeeper’s error to add the third goal, while Imo Obot sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick just before the final whistle with Gombe United now conceding four goals against Enyimba FC thrice in the NPFL since 2005, at least one more than any other NPFL team within the same period.
With this emphatic victory, the ‘People’s Elephants’ have overtaken Lobi Stars on goal difference even as both clubs now have 39 points to occupy the first and second position respectively.
In another week 22 match played yesterday, Shooting Stars defeated hard fighting Bendel Insurance 1-0 in Ibadan with Taye Muritala’s late goal securing all three important points for the ‘Oluyole Warriors’.
The slim victory is indeed the first league win by 3SC over Insurance in four games.
The victory also moves the former African champions to 11th position on the table with 30 points, nine adrift of the league leaders.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors defeated Kwara United with another slim 1-0 victory at the Enyimba stadium. Sunday Megwo scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute.
Bethel Orji who replaced Erasmus Onuh who was earlier suspended over inconsistent results and ‘poor relationship with the players’ will be glad to start his reign with a win.
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