By Chinedum Ohanusi
Enyimba Int’l FC of Aba are now 7th in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table, after a battling 2-1 defeat of Nasarawa United FC of Lafia, in their reschedule domestic fixture, played on Wednesday, at the Enyimba Stadium, in Aba.
Enyimba for the second match in a row, had Joseph Atule providing the opening goal, deep into first half stoppage time.
But Nasarawa United FC, who needed a result in Aba to get themselves out of the bottom of the twenty-team NPFL log, restored parity in the 57th minute of the game.
However, former Super Eagles and Ocean Boys of Brass forward, Brass Ideye clinched the winner, with a cool and calm finish, just past the hour mark.
It was the second time in two consecutive games, that Ideye was on the scorers’ sheet for the Aba People’s Elephant; having also netted in the side’s CAF Confederation Cup, Group D 4-1 trashing of Black Bulls FC of Maputo, in Uyo, on Sunday.
Enyimba Int’l FC still has two other outstanding fixtures, against Kwara United FC of Ilorin, and Kano Pillars FC; and they will fancy the prospect of climbing up to 4th in the table, with 32 points, should they beat both opponents.
At present, Remo Stars FC of Ikenne sits at the summit of the NPFL log with 36 points from 19 games played, 2 points clear of 2nd placed Rivers United FC; while Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan, are 3rd and a further point adrift.
Akwa United FC, which recently resigned their 2020/21 title winning Coach, Kennedy Boboye are in the 19th spot, and with 19 points, are the odd team out of the four clubs, swimming in the relegation waters.
The other three sides are Nasarawa United (20th position with 19 points), and the pair of Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi (18th), and Plateau United FC of Jos (17th), who are both level on 20 points; are all from the North Central.
