Enyimba back to fourth, Plateau maintain lead

ENYIMBA of Aba yesterday came from behind to defeat visiting Lobi Stars 2-1 at the U.J Esuene Stadium. It was a match day 30 game, which ensured that the Aba club returned to the fourth position on the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) table.

The Peoples Elephant’s supporters were shocked to silence in the 18th minute when hot shot, Anthony Okpotu gave Lobi Stars the lead. The goal took the striker’s tally to 14 goals this season.

Enyimba came back stronger in the second half with Skipper Mfon Udoh and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu leading the onslaught.

But Enyimba had to wait until the 86th minute for the equalizer through Udoh (his 11th of the season), while Ibenegbu gave them a dramatic win four minutes later.

Enyimba are now on 47 points.

Pace setters, Plateau United beat Ifeanyiubah 1-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos in Jos to maintain their lead on the table. The Jos team were pegged back by Niger Tornadoes last week, a defeat that narrowed their lead on MFM to two points.

But Emma James ensured the leaders remained on top of the log with 54 points when he converted a 13th minute penalty following a foul on Owolabi Hamzat by Stephen Eze. They are now five points better than MFM, whose game against Enugu Rangers was called off following a heavy downpour that clogged the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium pitch.

Before it was called off, Rangers were ahead through Chiamaka Madu’s 15th minute goal. The remaining part of the match will be played this morning.

Elsewhere, 10-man Nasarawa United defeated El-kanemi Warriors 2-1 in Lafia with Adamu Hassan scoring tow goals for the home team. Hashimu Haliru pulled one back for El-kanemi.