Enyimba defeated Rangers International 2-1 in the Oriental Derby to return to winning ways in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, www.aclsport.com reports.
In one of the NPFL Match Day 15 games, Enyimba, who have been without a win since early November when they beat Kano Pillars 2-0 in Aba, beat the 2024 Champions at the Enymba Stadium to claim their first win in four NPFL games.
Enyimba got their noses in front through Chidera Michael’s goal in the 42nd minute before substitute Stanley Dimgba, who also scored off the bench against Katsina United last match day, doubled the home side’s lead. In stoppage time, Kenechukwu Agu halved the deficit for the visitors via a stunning freekick, but it was a little too late.
The win, the first under interim head coach, Lawrence Ukaegbu, puts Enyimba in eighth position on the NPFL log, while Rangers dropped to 7th – two points above the Aba side.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City laboured to a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Chidera Oparaocha picked the pockets of goalkeeper Okiemute Odah to score the game’s only goal in the 69th minute.
Ayodele Ismail scored the winner to help Shooting Stars beat Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 in Ibadan on Sunday. Similarly, Othuke Egho scored the only goal as Warri Wolves defeated Nasarawa United 1-0 in Ozoro. Kun Khalifat also beat Plateau United 2-0 in Owerri. Lekan Gabriel and Henry Ezeonye with the goals.
It was a five-goal thriller between Barau FC and Kwara United in Kano. Usman Maidubuji opened the scoring before Chibuzor Ezeh levelled the scoring for the Ilorin side. Mohammed Umar put the home side ahead, but Kwara United got themselves back on level terms through Johnmark Aule.
Despite Nurudeen Badmus’ penalty stop in the second half, Barau eventually got the winner from Stanley Oganbor’s goal in stoppage time.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Katsina United. Ifeanyi Ogba’s early goal from the spot was cancelled out by Azeez Falolu for the visitors.
Earlier on Saturday, Remo Stars lost 1-0 to Niger Tornadoes, while Bendel Insurance continued their steady rise under Kennedy Boboye with a 3-0 win over Wikki Tourists.
