Enyimba fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat in Minna on Sunday, as Okorie’s 43rd-minute effort proved the difference.
The People’s Elephant started on the front foot despite the harsh afternoon sun, with Chidera Michael and Ganiu leading the early push for an opener.
The hosts threatened first when Isah Ndala cut inside and fired just wide of Dare’s goal.
It was a tight, tactical first half. Tofa spilled Anakwe’s cross but recovered quickly to deny Ganiu, while Chidera went down inside the box but play was waved on. Zulkifilu also tested Dare from distance, but the Enyimba keeper was alert.
Then, two minutes before the break, Okorie found space outside the area and struck a powerful effort past a fully-stretched Dare.
Enyimba responded strongly after the restart. In the 54th minute, Tobi Iyanda looked set to level matters, but Tofa produced a fine save. Five minutes later, Chidera’s low drive was also gathered by the home keeper.
Coach Emmanuel Deutsch introduced Samaila Bello, Obuji Chukwudi and Obodoagu Damian to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The move almost paid off in the closing stages. Obodoagu latched onto a late chance and fired just wide, with the bench already up in celebration.
Speaking after the game, Deutsch said his side played well and created chances, but were made to pay for not taking them.
Focus now shifts to Sunday, when the People’s Elephant host Ikorodu City in Aba.
