Kalu, Stone on target as Enyimba edge relentless Lobi Stars

Samuel Kalu and Samuel Stone scored their first NPFL goals for Enyimba as the People’s Elephant beat Lobi Stars 2-1 to sustain the push for a top three finish.

The People’s Elephant had maintained a 100% home record in the second round of the season but that run seemed to be under threat as Lobi matched their hosts strongly, until Kalu’s broke the deadlock and Stone secured the win in an improved second half performance.

The visitors pulled one back at the death but it was too little too late to hurt the hosts who enjoyed their fifth home win on the bounce.

Victor Mbaoma missed a chance to give Enyimba a flying start as he blasted over the top after receiving a comfortable ball inside the box. 

Pascal Eze also had a chance in the early stages but shot tamely wide, with time and space aplenty.

The visitors gradually settled in and looked dangerous on their own, calling Djeri Bassa into action with a dangerous freekick before the keeper was sharp again to tip a header over the top.

Mbaoma was next to have another big chance as his header at the far post struck the frame before being cleared out of the danger zone.

Cyril Olisema and Emeka Obioma also came close with similar attempts that were were kept out by the impressive Aliko Mustapha as Enyimba retook the driving seat.

The hosts were quick off the block at the restart and soon found their opener, Samuel Kalu heading in Sadiq Abubakar’s cross for his first NPFL goal for the People’s Elephant.

With four minutes left, Substitute Samuel Stone secured the lead with a hit on the turn after a well worked corner kick fell loosely to him inside the box. 

The relentless visitors continued to push on and pulled one back in the eighth minute of added time when Samuel Ganda sent in a rebound after Bassa had saved in a one-on-one situation.