Enyimba, Wolves, Pillars fall, Sunshine Stars win

GLO Premier League leaders, Enyimba of Aba, were yesterday pegged back by El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, who ran away with a 2-1 win at their adopted home, Kakaranga Stadium in Katsina. But the result has not changed the league log as Enyimba still maintain their four-point lead over Warri Wolves, who lost 1-2 to Abia Warriors in Umuahia. Benjamin Turba drew the first blood for El Kanemi in the ninth minute with a rocket shot off impressive Chinedu Ohanachom’s assist, while Efe Yarhere doubled the lead in the 28th minute. Enyimba got a consolation goal on the 88th minute through substitute Nzube Anaezemba. Enyimba’s Joshua Enaholo was the busier of the two goalkeepers in action in the early period, with his first save coming as early as the fifth minute when he stopped Emmanuel Agali’s effort.


 Enaholo also denied Efe Yarhere with a good save in the 47th minute, but he could not stop El Kanemi for long as first, Turba and later, Yarhere made hay for the nomadic Maiduguri warriors. Anaezemba’s late strike made scores more reasonable for the travelling Aba fans, who wee forced to witness another defeat for their team in the Middle Belt after the Week 29 defeat by Giwa FC in Jos. In Ilorin, former league leaders, Sunshine Stars of Akure continued their revival after their recent slump, beating Kwara United 2-1. Sunshine Stars now have 50 points from 30 games, while Kwara United sucked in the drop zone with 32 points from 30 games. Dare Ojo flattered to deceive Kwara United fans when he opened scores for the Ilorin lads in the 17th minute. His brother, Dayo Ojo, however, equalised for Sunshine Stars in the 50th minute off a Prince Aggreh cross, while Emmanuel Sunday got the winner two minutes later. In Umuahia, Warri Wolves put up a spirited display but could not withstand Abia Warriors, who beat them 2-1 with Henry Ochuba opening scores for the home team in the fourth minute. Wolves equalised five minutes later through Joseph Osadiaye, but Ifeanyi Onyeali ensured Abia Warriors took all the three points in the 54th minute. In other games, Dolphins continued their march out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 defeat of Taraba FC, while Wikki Tourists moved back to the third position courtesy of a 2-0 home win against Bayelsa United. Mubarak Umar (15mins) and Nafiu Ibrahim (72mins) got the goals for the Bauchi-based outfit.