Enyimba’s NPFL Title Dreams Ended

 

Enyimba's hope of mounting a late title charge has been ended by a 3-2 defeat by relegation-bound Ikorodu United. The Nigeria Professional Football League champions went into the game at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta with the hope of reviving their fading title aspirations but were shocked by their in-form hosts who put up a spirited performance at their adopted home ground.

The home side who went into the game on the back of impressive wins against NPFL big guns Heartland and Kano Pillars took a well deserved lead through Fatai Abdullahi in the 28th minute. The Oga Boys' lead however lasted only four minutes before Mfon Udoh put the visitors level from the spot after Musa Najare was felled inside the box by Ikorodu United goalkeeper.

Despite having nothing at stake in the game, Ikorodu United upped their performance in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 53rd when Oluwole Balogun curled in a superb strike which left Theophilus Afelokhai stranded.

Again, Enyimba fought their way back with the impressive Najare grabbing the equaliser eight minutes later. The champions found themselves behind again seven minutes later with their former striker Micheal Okoyoh scoring the winner.

The win extended Ikorodu United' s unbeaten streak to five games as Enyimba will now shift their attention to getting a berth on the continent by securing at least third position with three games remaining before the end of the campaign