Goals from Victor Mbaoma and Farouk Mohammed were enough to give Enyimba a slim win over Lobi Stars in NPFL rescheduled game on Wednesday.
Victor Mbaoma scored in the 8th minute while Farouk Mohammed converted a penalty five minutes from half time break to put the Aba giants in commanding lead.
The game became more intense when Lobi Stars’ Ossy Martins halfed the deficit for the visitors early in the second half.
Enyimba welcomed Lobi Stars to the Aba Township stadium for their first meeting if 2020-2021 Nigeria professional football league season.
The game was a keenly contested as both teams gave their all in order to achieve the bragging right and win the maximum points.
Enyimba took an early when slack defending from Lobi Stars allowed Reuben Bala on right edge of the penalty area, to set up Victor Mbaoma for the opener in the 8th minute.
Lobi Stars almost equalised in the 25th minute, when John Lazarus free kick from 25 mitres was heading into back of the net, before goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode reacted quickly and made impressive stop.
Enyimba got yet another chance to increase their lead in the 40th minute, Tsehuan Moses in an attempt to make up for a defensive error obstructed the movement of Reuben Bala in the box and the referee awarded a penalty.
Stand in Captain Farouk Mohammed took the responsibility and converted the kick emphatically.
Lobi Stars coach Kabiru Dogo responded by bringing on Sani Mohammed to replace Abiodun Kayode 5 minutes in to the second half.
The change which gave Lobi stars gave more stability and steel up front created problems for Enyimba and were forced to make some errors.
The Aba’s second half sloppy start cost them dearly as Lobi Stars were awarded a penalty Kick after Farouk Mohammed was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Ossy Martins however converted it masterfully to make his 8th goal of the season and keep the burning hope alive.
Enyimba almost reestablished their two goal lead five minutes later, but goalkeeper Nwabali Stanley made good save to deny Samad Kadiri in 53th of the game.
Five minutes to full time, Stanley Nwabali made another good save after defender Tsehuan Moses slipped on the wet turf leaving Victor Mbaoma clear on goal, but Nwabali stretched full length to punch out a low drive from Mbaoma.
The regular exchange of fire works from both sides gives fans muchto cheer as the game became more unpredictable.
Enyimba are now 7th on the log with three games in hand, while Lobi Stars are rooted to 8th position on the log despite the loss.
Enyimba will take on Kano Pillars and Lobi be heading to Uyo in Akwa Ibom to confront Dakkada in an NPFL Match Day 25.
