Enyimba bag bragging right with Abia derby win

Enyimba bagged the bragging rights and all three points at stake following a 1-0 win against neighbours Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) resumed after a month’s break.

Substitute Bernard Ovoke was the hero for the reigning NPFL champions, firing in a brilliant pass from midfielder Ikenna Cooper in the 72nd minute to decide the fixture.

In a keenly-contested encounter with chances few and far between, the hosts sought an equalizer desperately, but found Enyimba defence very resolute.

Matters were made a bit easy for Enyimba when Warriors midfield gem Daniel Wotlai was replaced following an injury six minutes before Ovoke scored.

The win moved the 2-time African champions to second on the NPFL log, with 56 points from 33 matches, 4 points behind table-toppers Rangers International.

The People’s Elephant will temporarily shift attention to the President Federation Cup where they will face Nigeria National League side Sokoto United in Abuja on Wednesday in the Round of 16.