Enyimba fell to a 1-0 home defeat against newly promoted Inter Lagos after Ezekiel Moses’ first-half strike stunned the nine-time champions in Aba on Sunday.
The Elephants started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 10th minute when Ekebuike James rose highest to meet Dimgba’s corner, but goalkeeper Atabi pulled off a fine save to deny him. Ekebuike again threatened from another set-piece moments later, only to head wide.
Against the run of play, Inter Lagos took the lead in the 19th minute when Ezekiel Moses nodded past goalkeeper Ogunga in what was their only shot on target in the first half.
Enyimba pushed for an equaliser, with Atabi denying Dimgba from close range before Wonah Williams came close to levelling just before the break, his effort drifting inches wide.
Coach Emmanuel Deutcsh rang changes in the second half, bringing Idris Abubakar back into midfield and shifting Obichere to right-back. Substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele injected fresh energy and almost made an instant impact two minutes after coming on, but his overhead kick went wide.
Samuel Okechukwu thought he had drawn Enyimba level, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Ihemekwele was also flagged offside when through on goal as the hosts continued to search for a leveller, before Atabi once again denied him.
Despite late pressure, Inter held firm to claim all three points in Aba.
Attention now turns to Wednesday when Enyimba host Sporting Lagos in another league fixture in Aba.
