Enyimba beat NPA

An approximate 12,000 fans turned out to see African and league defending champions, Enyimba football club square up against NPA at the main bowl of the national stadium, Surulere Lagos.

NPA Sea Siders playing at their adopted home started bravely but could not find the rhythm to go ahead as early as the third minute.

One miss too many
Former Julius Berger star, Temple Moneke, who was making his debut in the colours of NPA created two great opportunities in the 12th and 15th minute but for poor finishing, and quick interception from Seyi Ogunsanya and Chukwuma, averted such plans.

Enyimba in front
Enyimba went ahead in the 24th minute after a great team work from the defence freed Ajibade Omolade on the left and his low pass was side footed in by the on rushing Saviour Stephen.

NPA stunned
The inexperienced home side could not get over the shock and would have gone two goals down ten minutes but Abdulazeez Umar failed to connect a brilliant pass from Muri Ogunbiyi to the fury of Serb coach, Miroslav Uruakalo.

Great comeback
It took just eighty-seven seconds after the restart for NPA to draw level in a classical manner.

A great build up from the centre circle by the home side, found substitute, Foster Amadi on the left and his brilliant pull out was brilliantly headed in by Jeremiah Kuhwa.

He may have scored one of the best goals in the six-week old league but Kuhwa’s header was his last contribution of the game-as he was stretched off aftermath of the goal celebration.

Goal shy
NPA took the game to Enyimba and Foster Amadi missed two comfortable sitters in the 51st and 66th minute after John Owoeri had set him up to finish.

Uruakalo made two important substitution, replacing Muri Ogunbiyi with Benedict Daniel and Shakiru Atanda for Abdulazeez Umar.

A debut to remember
Playing with determination NPA surged forward hoping to get the winner but their vulnerability at the back was exposed and 16-year old, Atanda, who was signed from Indomie FC of Sango-Ota lob the ball above Emmanuel Abbah to the delight of the Enyimba fans.

NPA fluffed further chances to draw level with Dele Aiyenugba making two important saves to keep the score at 2-1.

Coach Uruakalo told Nigeriasports.com that his team deserved the victory.

“We played better and deserve to win; we are just following the books. Remember we drew at home in our last game and now we’ve won a crucial game away”

Match winner, Shakiru Atanda noted that his goal is a pointer to what the coach should expect of him.

“I have been watching and praying for my time because I believe I am capable of making a point” he says.

“I knew I was going to score and I am grateful to God that I realised my dream of scoring in the colours of Enyimba, there is more to come” he told Nigeriasports.com.

Emmanuel Tete, coach of NPA lamented his side’s poor finishing in front of goal.

“We played well but our problem was obvious for all to see; we lack goal scorers and it’s just unfortunate we do not have one in our present team”

Other mid week results:

Dolphins 3 Shooting Stars 1
(Ezeji 2,Udoka)

Nationale 1 Gombe 0

Wikki 2 Kwara Utd 1

Insurance 2 Rangers 0
(Nassir Hussein,Omokaro)

Plateau 1 El Kanemi 0

Pillars 1 Jets 0
(Clement Ogiji)

Tornadoes 1 Gabros 0
(Umar Farok,72nd pen)

Lobi Vs Berger (Postponed)