BY: Chuks Ogbu
Coming out from a disappointing 0-1 loss to MFM, Enyimba coach Fatai Osho made 3 changes to the side that played in Lagos, replacing Gabriel Orok with Chukwudi Esobe (who was making his debut for Enyimba) Victor Mbaoma with Tosin Omoyele & Hassan Abubakar With Abiodun Adabayo. While Dakadda FC were coming from an impressive 1-0 win at home against Plateau United.
Enyimba FC started the match like a house on fire, with the attacking trio of Chukwudi Esobe, Samson Obi & Tosin Omoyele leading the charge against the visiting Dakadda side.
As early as the second minute, Tosin Omoyele received a through ball from Stanley Okorom and finished brilliantly to give Enyimba the lead in the 2nd minute. Shortly afterwards, Enyimba Captain Austin Oladapo had a quick run down the right flank and a powerful drive which the Dakadda FC’s Goalkeeper Olawale Oremade managed to parry to safety.
Enyimba FC enjoyed a large chunk of the possession in the first 25 minuted but shortly afterwards the tempo of the game went down a bit. In the 45th minute, Dakadda thought they had found equaliser when Issac George scored but the referee ruled his effort offside.
At the end of the first half the score was 1-0 in favour of Enyimba.
Fatai Osho made three changes at the start of the second half with Gabriel Orok, Phillip Ozor and Dare Olatunji replacing Samson Obi, Cyril Olisema and captain, Austin Oladapo. Dakadda FC brought in Ibrahim Abiola for Issac George and Five minutes later Chigozie Solomon for Aniekan Ekpe and Phillip Achibong replacing Emmanuel Charles.
The tempo of the second half seemed very low until the 67th minute when Orok Gabriel was played through on goal by Olatunji but he wasted the chance.
In the 77th minute, debutant, Chukwudi Esobe was replaced by Victor Mbaoma.
Enyimba took total control of game in the last 15 minutes but had their chances wasted with Gabriel Orok, Tosin Omoyele and Victor Mbaoma the major culprits.
The referee blew the final signaling the end of the game.
It ended Enyimba FC 1-0 Dakadda FC