A goal in each half from Ekeson Okorie on 45 and 65 minutes gave Bayelsa United a 2-0 victory over Doma United in a Matchday 22 fixtures of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Wednesday.
Okorie put the Prosperity Boys ahead right at the end of the first half from the spot when Auwalu Abubakar brought down the enterprising Okorie in the area. He stepped forward to send Doma United goalkeeper Abdullahi Zalli who had earlier made important saves for the Savannah Tigers the wrong way.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara made four changes from the starting 11 that defeated Akwa United at the Eket Stadium on Sunday, Hassan Oladimeji, Tekena Garando, Israel Consul and Abdulrahman Muniru who was making his start of the season since he joined the Prosperity Boys in mid-season.
Energetic Tarabina Biweribo continued to enjoy his new role as a central defender alongside Yinusa Sheriff and Oginni Olatunbosun in the heart of the defence to stretch their unbeaten run to five league games.
The Prosperity Boys took the game to their visitors but the Gombe-based side kept their cool at the back having lost 0-1 to Rangers at home last weekend. Bayelsa United twice came close through Abdulrahman Muniru and Consul but their efforts were stopped by Doma United goalkeeper Zalli.
Doma United on resumption almost levelled the score from Samuel Enefiok’s close range shot which was saved by Bayelsa United goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah who has three clean sheets to his credit in his last three games.
Okorie continued to mesmerize Doma United’s midfield penetrating the visitors back line as his effort almost paid off on 54 minutes. Abdulrahman Muniru on 65 minutes almost made it 2-0 but his long range shot was saved by Doma United goalkeeper before Okorie found himself in the box to slot in the rebound from Muniru’s initial effort to get the insurance goal.
The Savannah Tigers on 85 minutes almost reduced the deficit but Elkanah did not allow his defence to be breached.
Bayelsa United will next face Remo Stars in Ikenne on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium while Doma United will battle Sporting Lagos at the Pantami Stadium.