..As Lobi, Remo End First Stanza on High
Enyimba’s teenage sensation, Izuogu Chibuzo rose from the bench during the second half to earn the ‘People’s Elephant’ all 3-points in Ibadan against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
Coach Olarenwaju Yemi before the encounter told Enyimba media that he was optimistic that if the boys can replicate the the performances they had at Jos against Plateau United as well as at Katsina against Katsina United they will come out of the encounter with a positive result.
The league champions started showing their intent in the second half of the feisty NPFL match day 19 encounter with Enyimba’s leading scorer, Chijioke Obaoma forcing the 3SC defence line very uncomfortable.
His constant nuisance led to a 3SC defender handling the ball inside the box while attempting to stop a well tailored cross from Innocent Gabriel getting to the point man.
Mbaoma gave the 9-time league champions the lead at the 56th minute of play which increased his goal tally to 7 and forcing the home side led by seasoned Gbenga Ogunbote to respond with massive attack untill they got the equalizer at the 84th minute of play.
But former Papilo Academy FC young star, Izuogu saved the best for the last moment when his power drive close to the end of the added time silenced the entire Ibadan fans to secure all points for the Aba giants.
Reacting to Enyimba media after they were held hostage by Ibadan irate fans for over 30 minutes inside the dressing room, Izuogu dedicated the moment to his team mates, Coaches and the fans for all the support they have been giving to him.
“It was a solid performance from the team and am very happy to have gotten my first goal in the NPFL.
“I have worked so hard for this moment and i wish to say a big thank you to my team mates and the coaches for always supporting and the fans as well for their support and i hope to continue to score more goals,” Izuogu stated.
Coach Yemi reiterated the target of the club even as he acknowledged that defending the league title won’t be easy but that in Enyimba they are working hard to stay within touch of the top three on the log hoping that if the title becomes elusive they can make do with a continental ticket.
Meanwhile, a wrap of the first stanza of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season shows Lobi staying on top while Heartland is at the bottom although with an outstanding home game.
A total of 20 goals was however registered in Match day 19 encounters which served as the last match in the first stanza of the campaign.
3 draws, 1 away win and 6 home wins was also recorded with the league defending champions, Enyimba FC silencing 3SC fans right at their back yard.
Akwa United pulled a victory against Rangers International as they’re looking for a way out of the relegation zone.
Remo Stars’ 2-1 Victory against Abia Warriors ensured the sky-blues stars stay top of the table.
Kano Pillars showed superiority over Heartland FC in a 2-1 victory over the Naze Millionaires.
Niger Tornadoes were in Kaduna held to a goalless draw by Katsina United, a result that will see them remain uncomfortably above the relegation zone until the second stanza.
Bayelsa United picked an away point in Gombe against Gombe United after a 1-1 draw but the result still couldn’t help them out of the relegation zone.
A One nil Victory by Lobi Stars over Plateau United kept their title hopes alive as they end the first stanza on top of the log.
