Tosin Omoyele scored a 26th minute winner as Enyimba beat Akwa United in a thrilling NPFL match at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. Enyimba lost their last game to Lobi Stars of Makurdi while Akwa United drew with resurgent Sunshine Stars
Enyimba dominated the first half and could have gotten the first goal in the third minute when Emeka Obioma raced into the Akwa United box and had the option to shoot on goal or pass to Omoyele. The striker chose to pass to a free Omoyele but his intention was poorly executed, to the relief of Akwa United
Enyimba dominated the first ten minutes and it was Tosin Omoyele who got another chance in the 10th minute but he shot straight into Adeyinka’s palms. Tosin Omoyele flicked a header to Samuel Kalu in the 14th minute and the winger raced into the box but shot inches wide off Adeyinka’s net as Enyimba piled pressure on their guests, missing chances in the process
Chigozie Obasi came close with a long range freekick that narrowly missed the net. Enyimba’s goal finally came in the 26th minute when Adeleke raced into Akwa United’s half and released a through pass to Samuel Kalu on the left, who im mediately sent a low cross into the box and Omoyele was available to slot home
Akwa United got their first shot on goal when Ubong Friday hit the bar from a freekick in the 41st minute after Philip Ozor fouled him at the edge of the box
Akwa United returned stronger in the second half and took over possession and came close to getting a goal in the 47th minute but Ubong Friday’s shot narrowly missed the target. The striker was lively all through the first half and he continued from where he stopped
Stephen Chukwude missed a glorious chance to draw the NPFL champions level when he missed from close range after getting a sublime cutback from Etboy Akpan
Samuel Kalu’s effort beat Adeyinka in the 57th minute but his shot came off the woodwork but Ekene Awazie shot the rebound wide from a good position
Akwa United did all they could to get an equalizer but the Enyimba defense did a good job, with Philip Ozor tracking down Akwa United’s attacking threats. Bassa Djeri saved Etboy Akpan’s effort in the 90th minute to prevent a repeat of the same fixture last season where Akwa United equalized in the dying minutes
Next for Enyimba is a game against Katsina United on Sunday in Aba