Enyimba International FC usurped Rivers United to top of the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) summit following a 2-1 away win against Nasarawa United in Matchday 8 midweek fixture.

The People’s Elephant however had to end the game with ten-men after Anthony Omaka was shown a straight red card in the  62nd minute .

The game was full of talking points as both teams produced delightful football and the hosts, Nasarawa United appearing the better side at the start of proceedings. 

 

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They succeeded in restricting Enyimba to the back foot.

Coach Bala Nikyu’s Nasarawa side came close to opening scoring when Ikenna Ofor made a meal of Anthony Omaka before releasing Silas Nwankwon, whose effort was weak and could not trouble John Noble in goal for Enyimba with ten minutes into the game.

The People’s Elephants would then secure the curtain raiser six minutes later with their first shot at goal when Abdullahi Abubakar deflected Tosin Omoyele’s cross into his own net leaving Nasarawa goalie, Danlami Umar in a no man’s land.

The Solid Miners responded immediately and restored parity four minutes later through Chinedu Ohanachom who’s rose the highest to nod home Katoh Haggai’s pinpoint cross.

Silas Nwankwo then found himself with a criminal miss after his glancing header
found the back of the net many yards out from Aliyu Abdullahi’s lofted cross.

Enyimba would then restore their one goal lead from the penalty spot on 32nd minute after Anayo Iwuala was tripped in the penalty area by Sadiq Abdulrazaq. Cyril Olisema made no mistake as he sent Nasarawa United goalkeeper, Umar Danlami to the wrong side of the post.

What could have drawn the hosts level on 41 minutes was wasted yet again by Silas Nwankwo who could not convert from close range off a well placed cross by Abubakar Abdullahi.

Nasrawa United asked questions but could not find the equalizer as the first half ended 2 – 1 in favour of Enyimba.

Nasarawa United again seized the initiative at the start of the second half but were matched by a resolute defense of Enyimba.

The Solid Miners knocked and poked but could not carve a hole out of Enyimba strong defense line.

Both coaches introduced fresh legs but the changes could not affect the score line as the People’s Elephant ran away with a slim victory in Lafia.