Enyimba beat Lobi to go top of table

Enyimba recorded their first win at the NPFL Championship Playoff, beating Lobi Stars 1-0 in the first game of match day 2.

Emeka Obioma headed in the game’s only goal in the first half to lift Finidi George’s men to joint top of the standings after two rounds of matches.

Ojo Olorunleke returned between the sticks as Chigozie Chilekwu, Pascal Eze and Ikenna Cooper were called upon by the gaffer following Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Remo Stars.

Lobi’s backline failed to deal with Chigozie Chilekwu’s cross but Emeka Obioma could not make it count, blasting over from five yards; while Ikenna Cooper stung the palm of the keeper with a low drive as Enyimba surged forward in the opening stages.

Obioma then arrived the party in the 16th minute with his 16th goal of the season, heading into the net after the keeper failed to deal with another cross from Chilekwu. The goal was the forward’s second at the playoffs.

Joseph Atule, who looked like Lobi’s most dangerous outlet and was often heavily checkmated by Uwana Asuquo, managed to break loose inside the box, only to see his effort palmed away by Ojo.

Somiari Alalibo threatened from distance as Enyimba attacked again in first half’s final moments.

Lobi sent on Suur Kumaga at the restart to provide width on the right, but still found clear-cut chances had to come by as Enyimba remained solid at the back to seal the fixture.