Enyimba’s struggle to escape the Nigeria Premier Football League relegation zone suffered another setback after Chiedozie Okorie’s first half strike condemned the nine-time champions to a 1-0 defeat against Ranchers Bees at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
The result extended Enyimba’s difficult run away from home and left them 18th in the standings with just 11 points from 12 matches, as Ranchers Bees secured a crucial victory to move one place above the Aba giants.
For a club accustomed to competing at the top end of Nigerian football, the latest defeat represents another damaging chapter in a campaign that has increasingly become about survival rather than challenging for honours.
Enyimba arrived in Minna hoping to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Kun Khalifat, which had offered a brief lift after a difficult opening to the season. They were also seeking their first away win of the campaign, having collected only one point from their previous five trips, with four defeats.
Ranchers Bees, meanwhile, were desperate for a response after going six league matches without a victory. Despite their own struggles, the hosts found the breakthrough shortly before half-time, with Okorie striking from outside the penalty area in the 43rd minute to give them a valuable lead.
The goal came after an opening period in which both sides had opportunities to take control. Enyimba threatened through a series of attacking moves, with Bala delivering a cross in the 14th minute that forced Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Tofa to come out and punch clear.
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The visitors came close to scoring in the 28th minute when Tofa spilled a cross from Anakwe. Ganiu attempted to take advantage by chipping the goalkeeper, but Tofa recovered in time to make the save.
Three minutes later, Enyimba had another opportunity to draw first blood. Chidera appeared to be fouled inside the penalty area, but play continued, allowing Zulkifilu to unleash a shot from outside the box. Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Dare responded with an important save to preserve the hosts’ clean sheet.
Those missed opportunities proved costly when Okorie found the net two minutes before the end of regulation time in the first half, leaving Enyimba with another difficult task on the road.
The visitors returned after the interval determined to find an equaliser and came close through Tobi Iyanda in the 54th minute. The forward’s effort was heading towards goal before Tofa produced an impressive save, tipping the ball over for a corner.
Enyimba continued to push for a response, with Ganiu leading a quick counter attack three minutes later. He cut inside and delivered a cross into the penalty area, but no teammate was available to connect with the delivery.
Chidera also tested the Ranchers Bees defence in the 59th minute, breaking forward before sending a low effort into the box that was gathered by the goalkeeper.
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The visitors made further changes in the closing stages, introducing Chukwudi and Obodoagu for Ganiu and Chidera in the 79th minute as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Emeka appeared to have found the equaliser three minutes later when he headed home a free-kick delivered by Bello, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Enyimba continued to pursue a late breakthrough, with Obodoagu finding space inside the penalty area in the 87th minute. However, his attempt narrowly missed the target, leaving the visitors without the goal they desperately needed.
The defeat leaves Enyimba in 18th place with 11 points from 12 matches. The former African champions have now recorded three victories, two draws and seven defeats, a record that reflects the scale of their difficulties in the opening phase of the campaign.
Their failure to secure an away victory remains a particularly worrying feature. The point earned against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Matchday 6 remains their only return from five previous away fixtures, while the defeat in Minna has further exposed their struggles on the road.
For Ranchers Bees, the victory offers much needed relief after an extended period without a league win. The Minna side move to 17th with 12 points from 11 matches, having recorded three victories, three draws and five defeats, with a game still outstanding.
Although they remain inside the relegation zone, the three points give the Bees a narrow advantage over Enyimba in a battle that is becoming increasingly important for both clubs.
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The result also show uncomfortable reality facing the nine-time champions. Enyimba have the history and reputation of one of Nigerian football’s most successful clubs, but their immediate concern is finding a way to turn their performances into results before the gap between themselves and safety becomes more difficult to bridge.
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