Enyimba returned to winning ways thereby ending a run of four games in the Nigeria Professional Football League without a victory as they pipped Abia Warriors 1-0 in a rescheduled game on Wednesday in Port-Harcourt.

The Paul Aigbogun led side were beaten 1-0 in Ibadan by Shooting Stars FC and also lost 0-1 in their first group game of the CAF Champions League group stage game against Zamalek in Port-Harcourt as well. Versatile midfielder Dare Ojo's lone striker made the difference in a highly contested game.

Ojo was redeployed to a full back role in the game against Warriors and his performance was rewarded five minutes from regulation time when he latched onto Mfon Udoh’s flick to strike a well placed volley from about 20 yards though the shot was slightly deflected.

The People’s Elephants had previously gone on a nine game winning streak before fortunes changed and they went four game winless run. Enyimba’s solitary strike came from an unlikely source as the scorer Ojo, had not score since he last did in October 2015.

Pride was restored for Enyimba in the Abia derby after five attempts as no home team has been able to win in the derby in four attempts. Moses Ocheje was in between the sticks as he was the only change Coach Paul Aigbogun made as a result of a disappointing home-loss to Zamalek in the CAF Champions League. Fingers were pointed to Theophilus Afelokhai who was in goal during match day.

Abia Warriors though had the pleasure of welcoming back Under 23 star Ndifreke Effiong as well as ex Enyimba left back Valentine Nwabili to their starting lineup but neither could save them from falling to the hands of defeat. Kalu Nweke could have pulled one back as his well places effort went inches wide over the bar.

Enyimba now have recorded their first victory of the second stanza in the league and have now moved fourth on the log table with 34 points.

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About the author
Oderinde Olufemi
Editor at @Vavel_Nigeria. Jamz 101.1 FM Presenter. Reporter. Producer. Writer. Football Pundit.Voice Over Artist. 2009 Radio Personality Award Recipient (University of Ibadan).