Enyimba are one step away from winning a record-extending ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title after their 3-0 win over Sunshine Stars in the ongoing playoffs at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday.
The People’s Elephant were 1-0 victors in their first game against Lobi Stars before being held 1-1 by draw specialists Bendel Insurance.
Chijoke Mbaoma scored an early five-minute brace in Friday’s clash to give Finidi George’s side control of the game before Ikenna Cooper added the third in the 66th minute.
The victory leaves Enyimba at the top of the standings with eight points from four games, same as Rivers United but with a better goal difference. Both sides will face off on Sunday evening to conclude the playoffs, a game that will determine the champion with Enyimba needing just a draw to confirm that status.
In Friday’s earlier game, Rivers United defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 to bring an end to the Benin side’s 21-game unbeaten run in the league this season (W8 D13).
Morice Chukwu gave Stanley Eguma’s men the lead in added time of the first half before Joseph Onoja doubled it in the 89th minute while Divine Nwachukwu netted the consolation goal. The defeat effectively ruled Insurance out of the title contention.
The third game of the day saw Remo Stars record their first win of the playoffs with 2-0 over Lobi Stars, Junior Lokosa and Olamilekan Adams registering their names on the scoresheet to keep the Sky Blues in title contention.
Friday marked the first time during the playoffs that no game ended in a draw.
As things stand…
– Enyimba, Rivers Utd, Remo Stars in title race
– Bendel Insurance still in chase for #CAFCC
– Lobi Stars & Sunshine Stars out of title & continental contest #NPFL23ChampionshipPlayoff#NPFL23 #NPFL23Super6 pic.twitter.com/75b8RetXzN
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) June 9, 2023
The final round of fixtures will see the Ikenne side take on Insurance on Sunday while Sunshine Stars will tackle Lobi Stars.
