Eight-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba recorded their first win of the 2023 playoffs with a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday afternoon.
The People’s Elephant played out a 2-2 draw with Remo Stars in their playoff opener on Saturday while Lobi were held to a goalless draw by Bendel Insurance on the same day.
Monday’s clash came alive in the 16th minute when Chukwuemeka Obioma headed the ball in from a powerful throw-in by Adiele Eriugo.
The game was a keen contest with Lobi Stars producing seven total shots to Enyimba’s six while Olorunleke Ojo and Daniel Atsaka, in goal for Enyimba and Lobi, made three saves apiece.
FT | We bag the three points here after a determined display from the Elephant ????????????????????????
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— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) June 5, 2023
In Monday’s other result, reigning champions Rivers United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Remo Stars.
Nyima Nwangwa gave the Port Harcourt side the lead in the 16th minute and remained 1-0 in their favour until late drama ensued when Olamilekan Adedayo forced a way back for Remo by scoring in the 71st minute and third minute of added time.
Rivers United 2-2 Remo Stars
Rivers United Score Late, Hold Remo Stars to a 2-2 Draw NPFL Championship play-off https://t.co/l4kG0nOPvb pic.twitter.com/AS5rG6kOr1
— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) June 5, 2023
The Ikenne outfit were unable to claim the valuable three points as Adefemi Lukman made it 2-2 also in added time.
The final game of the day saw Bendel Insurance, a side with a reputation for playing draws, record a 1-1 draw with Sunshine Stars. Divine Nwachukwu gave the Benin side the lead in the seventh minute but Sunshine responded back in the second half via Udom Ekerette’s 62nd minute effort.
Full time!
Bendel Insurance picks another one point here in the Championship Play Off!
We move!
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Sunshine Stars #NPFL23ChampionshipPlayoff
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) June 5, 2023
Enyimba and Rivers United occupy the first two spots on the table after two games while Remo Stars are third with two points likewise Insurance. Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars have one point apiece.
