Enyimba and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have emerged as the finalists at the ongoing NPFL/Dozy Mmobuosi Super four tournament, aclsports reports.
The Aba Elephants defeated Rangers 1-0 and staged a comeback to beat Bendel Insurance in their opening two games to take top spot, while Shooting Stars trounced Bendel Insurance 3-0 in their opening game before battling Enugu Rangers to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The two former winners of the Nigerian top-flight secured their spots in Friday’s final after playing a goalless draw in Thursday’s final group match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
While Enyimba secured their final spot booked prior to the game, Shooting Stars needed to avoid defeat in order to render the second game between Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers a mere formality and they were able to do just that against Finidi George’s men, as the game ended with a share of the spoils.
In the final game of the day, Bendel Insurance came from a goal down to beat Abdul Maikaba’s Rangers 2-1. Striker Elijah Ani handed the flying antelopes the lead in the 43rd minute but Dede Moughara restored parity just two minutes later. Midway through the second half, Insurance went into the lead through Benjamin Tanimu’s penalty and held on for the win.
At the end of the round-robin stage, Enyimba finished with seven points, 3SC accrued five points, Bendel Insurance with three points, while Rangers finished bottom with just a point.
Meanwhile, Friday’s final, which will be played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, will see Enyimba face Gbenga Ogunbote’s 3SC for the giant trophy and N100m cash prize.
Image credit: Adelase Jamiu
