Enyimba International secured a much-needed 2-0 win over Kano Pillars in the Zobia Derby to end their five-match winless run in the Nigeria Premier Football League ( NPFL) match week 11.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when former Heartland midfielder John Bassey rose highest to nod home a powerful header, sending the home fans into celebration.
Moments later, Edidiong Ezekiel doubled Enyimba’s advantage after capitalising on a defensive lapse from the visitors. The ex-Akwa United forward rounded goalkeeper Abuchi before calmly slotting into an empty net for his second goal of the season in nine appearances.
It was Enyimba’s first win since their 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance on September 21 and a huge relief for coach Stanley Eguma, whose side had gone five straight matches without a win.
Kano Pillars Legend Rabiu Ali driving pass Enyimba International midfielder Bright Emmanuel. Photo Credit: Modzero
For Kano Pillars, the defeat added to their woes in a season overshadowed by crisis and poor form. The Sai Masu Gida were recently banned from their home ground in Kano and deducted three points for crowd trouble.
They have now gone three matches without a win since their last success a 1-0 victory over Kwara United on October 8.
New Technical Adviser Muhammad Babaganaru, who replaced Ogenyi Evans, has lost his first two games in charge and remains winless in his last five NPFL outings as a manager.
The People’s Elephant winger Joseph Style gets a strike in Aba. Photo Credit: Modzero
In Minna, Abia Warriors climbed to the top of the NPFL standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
Sunday Megwo opened the scoring in the 38th minute before an own goal from Sunday Akinmoladun doubled the visitors’ advantage before half-time.
Tornadoes’ Abdulrasheed Dabai reduced the deficit in the 54th minute, converting from a Clinton Jephta assist, but it was not enough to stop Imama Amapakabo’s side from claiming their seventh win of the season.
The result moves Abia Warriors top with 21 points, while Tornadoes drop to fifth with 17.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United, courtesy of Timothy Zachariah’s superb long-range effort on the stroke of half-time.
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They were winless in 3 matches going into this tie after drawing twice and losing once their 1-0 over Niger Tornadoes on Independence day.
The Pride of Rivers have struggled for goals domestically, scoring only once in each of their previous nine NPFL matches.
Their only multi-goal performance this season came in the CAF Champions League, where they defeated Black Bulls 3-1 in the second leg of the second preliminary round to reach the group stage for the first time in their history.
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The win lifts Rivers United to eighth on 16 points, while Nasarawa United, managed by Mangut Mbwas, drop to second with 19 points.
Other NPFL Results (Matchday 11)
Bayelsa United 2–1 Plateau United
Ikorodu City 2–0 Kun Khalifat
Barau 0–0 Wikki Tourists
3SC 1–1 Katsina United
El-Kanemi Warriors 0–0 Rangers
