Enyimba continued their resurgence in the Nigeria Premier Football League with a dominant 2-0 victory over 10-man Plateau United at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, in a Matchday 7 fixture.
The People’s Elephant showed early dominance, controlling possession and pressing high from the opening moments, but struggled to convert chances as Plateau United stayed compact.
The deadlock was broken in the 29th minute when striker Ifeanyi Ihemekwele fired home to send the home fans into jubilation.
Enyimba emerged for the second half with more determination and their task was made easier in the 58th minute when Plateau United’s Wisdom Magbisa was sent off for a red card offence, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
The hosts suffered a setback when key midfielder Idris Abubakar went off with a head injury, but they doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Richard Ezinwa, who finished clinically to seal the win. Some reports put the second goal at the 68th minute as Ezinwa Ezinna.
Plateau United pushed late, with ThankGod Chinemezie missing their best chance in the 78th minute from close range, while goalkeeper Dede Dare and the Enyimba defence held firm to deal with a late 85th-minute corner.
It is Enyimba’s second straight win. Head coach Lawrence Ukaegbu said the team has returned to its best form, built on consistency and unity, adding that the players now understand what is expected of them.
Plateau United coach Gbenga Ogunbote admitted his side came with a plan but failed to execute, saying they will learn lessons and improve.
At the Awka Township Stadium, Rangers International consolidated their lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 victory over Abia Warriors.
Godwin Obaje, who was honoured before kickoff with a portrait for his 100-goal milestone achieved on Matchday 6 with the winner in the 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in Ozoro, opened scoring in the 37th minute with a header for his 101st NPFL goal.
Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead for the Flying Antelopes four minutes after the restart, in the 49th minute, slotting home the rebound after goalkeeper Ali Ishaku parried an effort.
Abia Warriors pulled one back in the 53rd minute, reported as 56th minute in some accounts, through Obioma Chukwuemeka from the penalty spot after a Rangers defender handled inside the box.
Jubrini Faiz received marching orders in the 75th minute after picking up a second yellow card for a second bookable offence, reducing the Warriors to 10 men as they chased an equaliser.
His dismissal further compounded Abia Warriors’ woes, as Rangers capitalized on the numerical advantage to seal victory with a late third goal in stoppage time through Daniel Akolade in the 90th minute plus.
In other venues, Matchday 7 produced more goals with increased excitement.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars and Sporting Lagos played 1-1. Abdullahi Musa equalised for Pillars in the 45th minute plus two, after Valentine Ugwu had given Sporting Lagos the lead in the 48th minute.
In Gombe, Doma United edged Warri Wolves 1-0 courtesy of Joshua Abah’s 81st-minute strike.
In Benin, Bendel Insurance thrashed Barau FC 4-1. Kayode Oke scored twice in the 33rd and 78th minutes, Suraju Lawal added in the 86th minute and Jonathan James in the 90th minute plus four. Aliyu Sugau scored Barau’s consolation from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United defeated Ikorodu City 2-0 with goals from Samson Olasupo in the 19th minute and Chinemerem Ugwueze in the 45th minute plus one.
In Ilorin, Kwara United came from behind to beat Ranchers Bees 2-1. Jamilu Yusuf gave the visitors the lead in the 7th minute, but Toheeb Gidado equalised in the 50th minute and Stephen Gideon won it in the 77th minute.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes pipped Kun Khalifat 1-0 with Ismaila Sarki’s 82nd-minute goal.
It was a season of draws in Ibadan and Lagos as Shooting Stars and Nasarawa United settled for a goalless 0-0 draw while Inter Lagos and Katsina United drew 1-1. Nura Abdulbari gave Katsina United the lead in the 34th minute before Kevwe Iyede equalised for Inter Lagos in the 42nd minute.
