Two-time African champions, Enyimba International, are back at the summit of Nigerian football after claiming a record eighth NPFL title on Wednesday.
At a fully packed Soccer Temple in Agege, the People’s Elephant thrashed Akwa United 3-0 in the final match day of the NPFL19Playoffs to win their first NPFL title since 2015.
The trio of Reuben Bala, Stanley Dimgba, and Abdulrahman Basir were all on target as the side coached by Usman Abd’Allah overpowered the poor Promise Keepers, who were without their Brazilan coach, Rafael Everton, who was mysteriously missing on the dugout.
Enyimba kicked off the decisive final match day five (5) well aware that any kind of victory would be enough to see them dethrone defending champions, Lobi Stars.
The Aba side got off to a brilliant start when Reuben Bala’s outstretched leg met a low cross from Joseph Osadiaye to put his side 1-0 at the break.
On the hour mark, the Stanleys, Dimgba and Okorom, combined to put the game beyond the Promise Keepers as the former headed home from close range a superb delivery from the latter to double Enyimba’s lead.
With one minute left to play, Enyimba confirmed the win and their first title in four years when Bashir netted the third goal to send Enyimba bench and their fans into a wild celebration.
With the result, Enyimba finish the NPFL19Playoffs with 12 points from a possible 15, one ahead of Kano Pillars in second place.
The People’s Elephant will also represent Nigeria in the CAFCL, alongside Pillars, who saw off Lobi Stars 1-0 in the last game of MD5.
In the CAF Confederations Cup, Rangers International will be Nigeria’s representatives after they finished third thanks to a 4-2 thrashing of FC Ifeanyi Ubah also on MD5.
Full Results
FCIU 2-4 Rangers Int’l
Enyimba 3-0 Akwa Utd
Lobi Stars 0-1 Pillars
