It was a midweek of pain for fans of Enyimba and Abia Angels as both teams lost at home, same day and in same stadium in Aba. Abia Angels lost 1-2 to Heartland Queens while Enyimba lost 0-1 to Remo Stars in a rescheduled NPFL encounter.
The People’s Elephants beat Heartland in Owerri last Saturday, thanks to a late header from substitute, Stephen Chukwude and they hoped to take their fine form to the Remo Stars game. Enyimba had many chances but failed to bury them.
Remo Stars were compact in defense and Kayode Bankole was in top shape as he denied Daniel Daga and Victor Mbaoma.
Former Enyimba forward, Samad Kadiri scored in the 34th minute with a superb header from a sumptuous cross from Ismail Sodiq. The boys from Ikenne held on for Victory.
Enyimba thought they would get a penalty in the 72nd minute when dazzling winger, Daniel Ekpo sent in a delightful cross to Chukwude in the box who controlled nicely, and was about to shoot on goal but appeared to have been clipped from behind but the referee waved it despite the home team’s appeal.
For Abia Angels, they went behind when Okwara Oluchi scored for Heartland in the 47th minute and in the 54th minute, Adebayo Damilola slotted home calmly to restore parity. Three minutes later, the rampaging Lucky Mary scored the winner for the visitors. It was a painful loss for the hosts after Charity Isaiah missed the chance to draw them level from the spot.
Next for Enyimba is a game against Sunshine Stars on Saturday while Abia Angels travel to play against Nasarawa Amazons next week.