AfriPulse
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) giants, Enyimba, finally ended their five-game winless run with a confident 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Aba on Sunday, easing the growing pressure on coach Stanley Eguma.
During the NPFL game, John Bassey opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a neat build-up in the box, and Edidiong Ezekiel doubled the lead six minutes later, rounding goalkeeper Galadima following a defensive mix-up that left Pillars exposed.
Enyimba controlled most of the match and comfortably saw out the result to claim their first win since September. The victory lifted the two-time African champions to 16 points, while Pillars’ miserable campaign continued as they stayed rooted to the bottom of the NPFL table.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors continued their remarkable run of form with a 2-1 away win over Niger Tornadoes in Minna, a result that pushed them to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings.
Sunday Megwo put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute, and an own goal by Tornadoes’ Sunday Akinmoladun just before halftime gave the Warriors a cushion. Abdulrasheed Dabai pulled one back for the home side early in the second half, but Abia held firm to take all three points.
That win, combined with Nasarawa United’s 1-0 defeat to Rivers United, sent Abia Warriors to the summit with 21 points, two clear of Nasarawa, who still have a game in hand.
Eguma’s Enyimba side will now turn their attention to a fiery Abia derby against the Warriors in Umuahia, a clash that promises intensity and title implications. Pillars, on the other hand, remain deep in trouble as they continue to struggle on and off the pitch.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United. Timothy Zachariah’s strike just before halftime was enough to hand the Pride of Rivers all three points and halt Nasarawa’s run at the top.
Over in Lagos, Ikorodu City continued their strong home form with a 2-0 win against Kun Khalifat. Chidera Oparaocha opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Ibifubara Dagogo sealed the win just after the hour mark. The result lifted the Oga Boys to third place with 18 points, ahead of Warri Wolves on goal difference.
Shooting Stars and Katsina United shared the spoils in Ibadan after a 1-1 draw. Chigozie Ihejiofor struck early for the hosts, but Chukwudi Ekeocha levelled in the 15th minute. Both sides remain locked on 16 points each, with the Oluyole Warriors dropping down the table after a run of draws.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United staged a comeback to beat Plateau United 2-1 in a rescheduled game at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Gideon Monday gave Plateau an early lead in the second minute, but Emo James turned the match around with two well-taken goals in the 39th and 57th minutes.
Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors and Enugu Rangers battled to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Barau and Wikki Tourists also played out a 0-0 stalemate in Kano. Barau’s match was played behind closed doors due to disciplinary sanctions, leaving them in 18th place with nine points, just above Insurance.
On Saturday, Remo Stars’ struggles deepened after a 3-1 defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin. Junior Aimufua’s brace and Babatunde Bright’s stunning strike condemned the defending champions to their fourth loss in five games.
In Benin, Warri Wolves stayed within touching distance of the top with a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance. Alex Oweilayefa gave the home side an early lead, but Othuke Egbo equalised with a brilliant free kick before halftime. The draw kept Wolves in second place with 18 points.
After 11 rounds of matches, Abia Warriors lead the NPFL table with 21 points, followed by Nasarawa United (19), Ikorodu City and Warri Wolves (18 each), and Niger Tornadoes (17). Enyimba’s victory lifted them to sixth, while Kano Pillars sit bottom on five points from ten matches.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
