Enyimba returns to winning ways with victory over Lobi Stars
Champions now 7 points behind leaders in title race
Enyimba FC defeated Lobi Stars in their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 16 encounter at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba on Wednesday by a scoreline of 2-1 to give them a crucial win as they remain in pursuit of domestic glory.
The team was missing key players like first-choice keeper John Noble, diminutive winger Anayo Iwuala and midfield maestro Austin Oladapo, but were able to overcome their opponents. Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring for them just 7 minutes into the game with his second goal of the season. The People’s Elephant doubled their advantage when Reuben Bala was upended in the Lobi Stars box and Farouk Mohammed scored the resulting spot kick just three minutes before the break. Lobi Stars pulled one back shortly after the break through a penalty of their own by Ossy Martins. Enyimba showed some profligacy in front of goal as they wasted chance after chance, but their misses were not punished on the day as they closed out the win.
The win takes Enyimba to seventh place on the log, seven points behind table-topping Akwa United, having played three games less. They travel to Kaduna this weekend for a massive clash against Kano Pillars which could have ramifications on where both sides would finish the season.