By: Tony Ademodi
Two first half goals from Victor Mbaoma and Farouk Mohammed returned Enyimba FC of Aba to winning ways after the weekend draw against Heartland.
But it was Lobi Stars that got the only goal of the second half to depart Aba beaten 2-1 in rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.
Intent on avoiding a back to back sharing of points in Aba, Enyimba took the game to Lobi Stars early in the game but it was former Enyimba player, Chukwuka Onuwa who stole the show in midfield with deft touches.
Enyimba would get the first goal after 7 minutes when Mbaoma tapped Reuben Bala’s cross past Stanley Nwabali. Lobi started playing with urgency thereafter but they failed to break down the Enyimba defence.
Their best chance fell to John Lazarus who got a pass from Chilekwu and shot straight at Olufemi Kayode
Nwabali would later deny Enyimba another goal with an impressive save off a long range effort from Samad Kadiri. Enyimba’s second goal finally arrived in the 42nd minute when Farouk Mohammed sent Nwabali the wrong way from the spot after Reuben Bala was fouled by Tsehuan in the box
Lobi Stars came into the second half with vigour and their persistence finally paid off in the 52nd minute when Ossy Martins scored from the spot.
Enyimba went in search of the third goal but missed many chances. Mbaoma missed a glorious chance to put Enyimba ahead in the 65th minute and another one in the 85th minute after getting a pass from Orok Gabriel. They ultimately settle for a 2-1 scoreline.
Man of the match: Philip Ozor (Enyimba)
