NPFL: Mbaoma’s Goal Lifts Enyimba over Bendel Insurance

Femi Solaja  with agency report

Former African champions, Enyimba FC moved away from the bottom rung of  the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard earned 2-1 win over visiting Bendel Insurance of Benin in a rescheduled tie yesterday in Aba.

Chijioke Mbaoma was the hero of the night with an 81st-minute winner after Ismael Seriki had cancelled the home team lead and secured the maximum points.

The former champions have had a turbulent start in the season and are gradually gaining momentum but yesterday’s victory has pushed the Peoples Elephants into the eighth position on the log while Insurance remained in the sixth position.

Having defeated Lobi Stars last weekend, Enyimba saw the rescheduled game against Bendel Insurance as an opportunity to improve their position on the table.

The Benin Arsenal made it tough for the host from the blast of the whistle and no goal was recorded in the second half.

Joseph Atule put the champions ahead in the 70th minute before Ismael Sarki netted the equaliser in the 75th minute.

Mbaoma sent the home fans into a frenzy with the winning goal in the 80th minute and ensured another maximum point in the second consecutive game.

Action resumes again this weekend with Remo Star playing host against leaders, Doma United in Ikenne in the only match on Saturday and the next day, Abia Warriors will host Enugu Rangers while Heartland will hope to extend the impressive 1-1 score line against Sporting Lagos last week as the clash with Enyimba.

Kano Pillars will host Bendel Insurance while Katsina United will receive embattled Bayelsa United just as Kwara United will be up against Gombe United and Lobi Stars will host Shooting Stars in Makurdi and Sunshine Stars will play Sporting Lagos and Niger Tornadoes’ match against Akwa United completes the fixture of match day-10.