Reigning champions Enyimba FC and Rangers International on Wednesday enjoyed wins in rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) games while the Qua Iboe derby ended in a stalemate.
Enyimba, coached by Fatai Osho continued their impressive run of form with a 3-0 smashing of Wikki Tourists in Aba. Their sacked coach Usman Abd’Allah is now in charge of the Tourists.
In-form Stanley Dimgba gave Enyimba the lead on the dot of half time, before he turned provider for another in-form player Austine Oladapo six minutes after the break. The People’s Elephant put the game beyind doubt six minutes from time through striker Victor Mbaoma.
Enyimba have now moved up to 11th on the league table with four more games in hand. Just like Enyimba, Rangers also climbed out of the relegation zone after a 1-0 win over Jigawa Golden Stars in Enugu.
A much changed Rangers side laboured for almost an hour in the game but Dauda Madaki provided the winning goal after a brilliant assist by Ibrahim Olawoyin to extend Rangers’ unbeaten streak to nine matches (six in the league).
Rangers are now 17th on the log with Warri Wolves dropping to 18th position.
Ndifreke Effiong scored twice as Akwa United forced Dakkada FC to a 2-2 draw in the Qua Iboe derby in Uyo on Wednesday. The game was brought forward from Match Day 30 and it was the less fancied Dakkada that drew the first blood in the ninth minute through Spencer Bassey.
Effiong scored his first from the penalty spot on the half hour mark to level scores but Eso Archibong scored what many thought would be the winner for Dakkada twelve minutes from time before Effiong replied again with an 89th minute header.
Both teams face difficult away games at the weekend. Dakkada travel to Jos to face title contenders Plateau United while Akwa United will be guests of resurgent Rangers in Enugu.
