By China Acheru
Tosin Omeyele’s brace was enough for Enyimba to get a 2-1 victory over Plateau United in an exciting NPFL game, pushing them six points clear at the top of the lot.
The Aba Elephants came into the game being on top of the NPFL log and coming from an away victory in Lafia.
Enyimba got early chances in the game but failed to score as Omoyele’s efforts went off target
Plateau United soon found their rhythm and their chance to score too. John Noble saved an effort from Akila Jesse in the 21st minute and he had to dive to a full stretch to deny Sunday Anthony a goal in the 25th minute
Tosin Omeyele got the opener for the People’s Elephants when his powerful header sailed past the impressive Chinedu Anozie. Omoyele got his brace three minutes later when he got on to a pass from Anayo Iwuala and let a ferocious shot fly past Anozie
Plateau United came into the second half stronger and pressed for a goal that could inspire a dramatic comeback.
Coach Abdu Maikaba’s changes yielded fruit as substitute, Mosses Effiong reduced the deficit in the 77th minute
Plateau United pressed for a late equalizer but Enyimba’s defense stood firm to help the side get a victory
Speaking after the match, coach Abdul Makaiba said it was a very good game, a game to show the world that the NPFL is coming up.
“It’s a very good game, and I believe it’s a good example to show the world that the NPFL is coming up, and we are very happy for that.
“You can see the pace of the game at which the two teams played. In the first half we made some mistakes and that is why we conceded the two goals, but we came better in the second half trying to equalize the two goals.
“I feel disappointed that we could not equalize, I know Enyimba very well and I believe my team could beat them but narrowly we lost”.
On his part, Coach Fatai Osho said it was a good win for his team, knowing Plateau United very well that they expected it not to be easy.
“It was a good win for us, we expected what happened, it won’t be easy looking at the caliber of the team we are playing and what they’ve been doing of late. For us, fatigue affected us and maybe we have to think of how to have a little rest. There have been a lot of traveling and many matches”.
