By Emmanuel Chinedu
Nine-time EUROMATCH-NPFL champions, Enyimba showed character and resilience in Kano, as they fought hard to earned a valuable point following a 0-0 draw with Kano Pillars, on Sunday, in a Matchday 6 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The visitors started brightly and were willing to take the initiative against the hosts, creating promising moments in the opening stages. Tobi Iyanda thought he had found a way through in the 14th minute after combining neatly with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, but his effort was halted by an offside call.
The hosts responded with pressure of their own, forcing Enyimba goalkeeper Dede Dare into action in the 27th minute as he stood tall to deny a dangerous attempt. Just three minutes later, Ihemekwele found the net from Iyanda’s pass, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Dare remained the difference between the two sides as he made two important saves before the interval, ensuring Enyimba went into the break without conceding.
The Enyimba goalkeeper Dare, was called into action again shortly after the restart, producing a double save in the 50th minute. The game was subsequently interrupted by strong winds, which made conditions difficult for both teams.
In the end, the People’s Elephants held firm to secure a valuable point on the road, their first of the campaign, with Dare’s heroics playing a major role in the result.
Enyimba will now turn their attention to their rescheduled Matchday 2 encounter this midweek, when they play hosts to Shooting Stars this Wednesday, September 31, at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
In Aba, former league top scorer, Chukwuemeka Obioma scored a brace for Abia Warriors in their thumping 3-0 home victory over visitors, Bendel Insurance, at the Enyimba Stadium.
Ikoi Etta headed home a delightful finish from Obioma’s assist to put the Umu Chineke Boys 1-0 ahead inside 15 minutes. Before the Aba-born forward scored two quick goals inside 20 minutes as Imama Amapakabo’s side bounced back from their 2-0 away defeat to Barau FC last week to secure the maximum points.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City also bounced back to winning ways after they secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over the defending league champions, Rangers International, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Aderemi Adeoye struck home a brilliant free kick into the bottom corner and put the Oga Boys in front inside six minutes. Before Ikechukwu Junior doubled the lead 2-0, with another impressive taken free kick which was all Ikorodu City needed to secure their first-ever league victory against the Flying Antelopes.
In Ozoro, Othuke Egbo scored the decisive goal as Warri Wolves bounced back from their heaviest defeat to Rivers United last Thursday, by earning the maximum points following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Shooting Stars Sports Club, at the Southern University Stadium.