ENYIMBA were lucky last Sunday as a hard fought 1-0 home win was enough to see off table toppers Plateau United in a pulsating encounter at the U. J. Esuene stadium, Calabar, on match day 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
A superbly well struck 22-yard shot by Enyimba’s Andrew Abalogu in the 69th minute was the only goal to bag in the much needed three points for the ‘Peoples Elephant’ over a rather resilient Plateau United.
Coach Kenedy Boboye of Plateau United had a rather poor performance in the first half as the only attempt at goal was Hamzat Owolabi’s goal-bound ball that was punched away by Enyimba’s alert goalie, Fatau Dauda.
Enyimba were like a house on fire as the trio of Mfon Udoh, Stanley Dimgba and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu were a constant threat in the most part of the first 45 minutes with Plateau United’s goalie, Dele Ajiboye making some crucial saves to keep his team afloat.
In the 21th minute, Enyimba’s Ugochukwu Leonard had his goal ruled offside as he pounced on an Ibrahim Mustapha flick to head in the ball into the net of Plateau United. Enyimba’s Ikechukwu Ibenegbu had his well struck free kick in the 24th minute tipped away by a well-positioned Plateau United goalie, Ajiboye.
Enyimba ended the first half with lots of wasted opportunities at goal as the visitors had to thank their stars for top-notch saves by goalkeeper Ajiboye.
Second half substitute for Enyimba, Andrew Abalogu, however shot his side into the lead in the 69th minute with a screamer that beat Ajiboye, who had his hands on the ball but could not prevent it from going into the back of the net. Ugochukwu Leonard provided an assist for that goal.
Plateau United tried all they could to get an equalizer but it was just one of those bad days at the office as the Aba Elephants were rock solid at the back till the end of the game.
However, Plateau United remain top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with a mid-week away fixture to Sunshine Stars on Wednesday at the Akure Township stadium, while Enyimba, who moved up to the fifth position will be playing away to Gombe United at the Pantami Township stadium mid-week.
TEAM LIST
ENYIMBA:
Fatau Dauda, Andrew Abalogu (Samson Gbadebo 83′), Chima Akas, Kelly Kester, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Mfon Udoh (Joseph Osadiaye 61′), Ibrahim Mustapha (Ifegwu Ojukwu 75′), Ugochukwu Leonard, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Stanley Dimgba
Unused Substitutes:
Theophilus Afelokhai, Chinedu Ohanachom, Olufemi Oladapo and Lordson Ichull
PLATEAU UNITED:
Dele Ajiboye 31, Hamisu Saleh (Benjamin Turba 81′), Daniel Itodo, Jimmy Ambrose, Elisha Golbe, Salomon Junior, Igho James, Lazarus Fan, Sunday Ingbede (Emeka Umeh 64′), Odafe Emmanuel (Kabiru Umar 67′) and Hamzat Owolabi
Unused Substitutes:
John Gaadi, Chima Ndukwu, Benjamin Turba, Chukwuemeka Umeh, Emmanuel Olowo and Bitrus Wash
YELLOW CARD(S):
ENYIMBA: Mfon Udoh (36′)
PLATEAU UNITED: Elisha Golbe (8′), Daniel Itodo (17′)
RED CARD(S):
ENYIMBA: Nil
PLATEAU UNITED: Nil
GOAL(S):
ENYIMBA: Andrew Abalogu(69’)
PLATEAU UNITED: Nil
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andrew Abalogu (Enyimba)
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