Enyimba FC of Aba started their 2019 NPFL home games on a winning note as they beat Nasarawa United 3-1 in Aba in a rescheduled week one fixture of the NPFL.
It was Enyimba who started the game better and pressed for an opener but could no break through the Nasarawa United defence early. Reuben Bala had an opportunity to put Enyimba ahead in the 7th minute but had his long range freekick over the bar. Bala soon came close in the 10th minute after a beautiful exchange of passes with Martins Usule but he shot wide from a good angle.
There was however a scare in the 13th minute as Martins Usule landed dangerously after Danlami Umar punched him on the head and he became unconscious, but was later revived by medics and was later taken to hospital. Austin Oladapo scored the resultant penalty in the 18th minute though Danlami touched the ball.
Bashir missed a golden opportunity to put Enyimba ahead just a minute after coming on for the injured Usule but kicked over the bar from close range. Nasarawa United grew in confidence and took the game to Enyimba and that most resulted in a goal as Solomon Chidi’s effort from the edge of box went inches off Afelokhai’s net.
Nasarawa United were not done with their threats as Theophilus Afelokhai had to produce a stunning save to deny Hamza Owolabi a goal from a free kick outside the box after Emeka Atuloma brought him down at the edge of the box.
Enyimba nearly got a second in the 39th minute after a fine interchange of passes between Darkwah and Bashir but Danlami Umar was alert to keep out Darkwah’s effort for a corner. Enyimba’s second goal came in the second minute of added time. Obi Samson who prior the goal had missed chances, pacified the fans as he shot past Danlami Umar when he received a shot pass from Andrew Abalogu who dribbled his way past three players and he turned nicely to slot home.
The second half started with Enyimba going in search the third and assurance goal. In the 48th minute, Reuben Bala came close to scoring but he nodded home over the bar from close range off a cross from Bashir. Nasarawa United came close to scoring in the 55th minute but had Afelokhai to beat.
Nasarawa United’s renewed zeal were rewarded in the 58th minute when Reuben Bala brought down the menacing Solomon Chidi in the box and Hamza Owolabi scored from a rebound after Afelokhai saved his effort
The introduction of Onuwa added life to the Enyimba midfield as he spread passes and created chances for Enyimba. In the 82nd minute, Onuwa Chukwuka provided a slick defence splitting pass and Oladapo finished calmly past Danlami for Enyimba’s third of the game. Enyimba will welcome Akwa United on Sunday for their third game.