Enyimba win 2-1 to keep Lobi Stars in relegation zone

Former Africa Champions, Enyimba, resumed their campaign in the 2025 Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) season with a 2-1 victory over embattled Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the rescheduled week 2 fixture played yesterday at the Aba Township Stadium.

The week 2 tie was rescheduled due to Enyimba’s continental engagement.

Two early goals set Enyimba on the way to victory as Lobi Stars who are yet to find their feet in the present campaign tried in vain to get a positive result against their more endowed opponents.

Chinedu Ufere Chukwu put the hosts ahead with the opening goal in the 13th minute and three minutes later, Ekwutoziam Eze doubled the lead from the spot to set Lobi Stars camp in more panic.

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However, before the break, the visitors reduced the deficit through Adebayo Waheed who found the back of the net in the 37th minute.

On resumption, what initially looked like a one way-traffic contest took a different direction as Lobi Stars readjusted their tactics, and made it impossible for Enyimba to increase their tally till the blast of the final whistle.

While the victory has lifted Enyimba to the fourth position on the table with six points from two matches, Lobi Stars are left languishing in the relegation zone with a solitary point from a possible nine.

The defeat was Lobi Stars’ second of the campaign, with the first coming in their second home match against Rivers United.

They had played a goalless draw with Akwa United in their opening match of the season at Lafia Township Stadium

In the other rescheduled week 2 match, reigning champions Enugu Rangers stunned new boys Ikorodu City 1-0 in Lagos.

The goal scored by Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze in the 25th minute was enough to hand Rangers the maximum points in their first away match of the season.

Rangers, who opened the season at home with a 0-0 draw against Federation Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors, now have four points from two matches.

Meanwhile, the debutants Ikorodu City who lost their opening match 3-0 at Kano Pillars are with one point earned on the road in the week three fixture at Kwara United last Sunday.