Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) giants, Enyimba eased some of the growing pressure around the club on Sunday after carving out a 2-1 win over Rangers International in a lively Oriental derby at the Aba Township Stadium.
Coming into the fixture without a win in three outings and heading into their first match since parting ways with coach Stanley Eguma, the former champions walked out with a renewed sense of intent.
They controlled the game for long spells and were rewarded when Chidera Michael tucked home the opener three minutes before the break.
Stanley Dimgba lifted the mood inside the stadium further when he grabbed Enyimba’s second in the 81st minute, giving the People’s Elephant what looked like a comfortable cushion.
Rangers replied deep into stoppage time through Kenechukwu Agu, but the hosts held their ground to claim their fifth league win of the campaign. The result lifts Enyimba to 20 points from 15 matches, still mid-table but breathing a little easier.
In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC brightened their survival hopes with a timely 2-0 win over Plateau United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The club threw their gates open to fans, and the atmosphere seemed to galvanise the newly-promoted side.
Lekan Gabriel struck in the 47th minute, and Henry Ezeonye added a calming second from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. The win lifts Kun Khalifat out of the relegation zone with 17 points.
Kano served up the day’s most dramatic fixture. Barau FC, relishing their return to the Sani Abacha Stadium, edged Kwara United 3-2 in a match that swung back and forth.
Usman Maidubji handed Barau an early lead in the 19th minute, but Kwara hit back through Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo before the interval.
Muhammad Umar nudged Barau ahead again on the stroke of halftime, only for Aule Johnmark to equalise four minutes into the second half.
With the game drifting towards a draw, Stanley Oganbor stepped up in the 90th minute to clinch Barau’s fourth win of the season, even though they remain stuck in 18th place.
Ikorodu City capped the day with a statement result in Lagos. Chidera Oparaoche’s 69th-minute strike proved decisive in a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors, a victory that sends Ikorodu City to the top of the NPFL table.
They sit on 27 points, edging Nasarawa United on goal difference after Nasarawa fell 1-0 to Warri Wolves in Ozoro.
In Ibadan, 3SC claimed a narrow 1-0 success over El-Kanemi Warriors, while Bayelsa United and Katsina United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa.
