Enyimba fail to shine again

Enyimba, Nigeria’s professional football league defending champions, failed to shine again as they lost their week five match against El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday.

The People’s Elephant lost 2-0 and have, so far, won just one game in the new season – a 1-0 victory against Ikorodu United during the week. The team now occupies the 17th position on the league table.

Former champion, Kano Pillars, joined Rangers and MFM at the top of the league table after a victory against 10-man Akwa United.

Rabiu Ali’s hat trick was the saving grace as they defeated Akwa United 3-2 with former Pillars’ striker, Ubong Ekpai, getting a red card in the game.

Michael Okoro opened the scoring for Akwa United in the 10th minute of the encounter with Ali getting the equaliser four minutes later. He, however, put Pillars ahead in the 24th minute but Ekpai restored parity towards the end of half time to end the first half 2-2.

Ali restored Pillars’ lead in the 47th minute before Ekpai was sent off for a second yellow card in the 67th minute of the game.

MFM FC overcame Bashiru Monsuru’s absence in the first half of their Lagos derby against Ikorodu United to snatch a point that pushed them to top long with Rangers and Pillars.

The three sides are currently on 10 points from five matches but Rangers are top after their 1-0 victory against Wikki Tourists earlier on Saturday. They also have better goal differences ahead of Pillars and MFM in second and third position respectively.

It was a losing return for former Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, after leading his Giwa FC side to a 2-1 defeat against the Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan.

Warri Wolves defeated Niger Tornadoes with Achibi Ewenike’s 5th minute goal while Rivers United left it too late to secure victory against Nasarawa United.

Godbless Asamoah smashes home from the back post in the additional seconds of the regulation time to send the United’s fans to frenzy.

Heartland also got their first victory this season – a 1-0 victory against Lobi Stars in Owerri on Sunday as the game between Sunshine Stars and IfeanyiUbah ended 1-1 in Akure.

It was drama in Jos as Plateau United failed to take advantage of last minute penalty awarded the team as their game against Abia Warriors ending in a 1-1 draw.

John Gaadi, Abia Warriors’ goalkeeper, saved Charles Okafor’s spot kick after there was a handball and red card for Austin Obaroakpo, Super Eagles defender, as Abia warriors maintained their unbeaten start to the season.