Enyimba are back to winning ways in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) ater they secured a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Rangers on Thursday in the Oriental Derby played in Aba.
Goals from Victor Mbaoma and Cyril Olisema lifted the People’s Elephants into sixth position on the log as coach Fatai Osho’s side now have 44 points while Rangers with 42 points are now seventh on the table.
Mbaoma handed the hosts the perfect start they deserved; breaking the deadlock just three minutes into the game. Pint sized winger Anayo Iwuala slid in a beautiful assist to the striker who made no mistake; firing the host ahead.
However, Enyimba’s early lead was short lived as Rangers pulled level three minutes later.
This time Israel Abia profited from John Noble’s gaffe to level matters for the Flying Antelopes.
After a string of missed chances from both teams, Enyimba got back in from just after the half hour and Anayo had a hand again in the home team’s second goal.
He gave a chested pass to Cyril Olisema who fired home from 20 yards,
Enyimba had a few more chances to increase their lead but the first half ended 2-1 in favour of the eight-time NPFL winners.
Though The Flying Antelopes somewhat played better as they second half progressed, they could neither deny Enyimba the three points on offer nor the bragging rights of winning the Oriental Derby.
Next up for Enyimba is another home fixture against Nasarawa United on Sunday, while Rangers will continue their league campaign away to Dakkada FC.
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