The start of the second stanza of the Glo Nigeria Premier League kicked off with the midweek fixtures of Matchday 20.
Enyimba have now won southeast rivals Heartland at home and away after the Aba warriors cruised past their opponent in Owerri by 1-0 on Wednesday.
Fidelis Saviour’s winning goal proved decisive in this encounter that was not spared of the rain.
Heartland has now managed to lose the first fixtures of both halves of the season after their opening day loss to Nembe City in the first round and have now lost their first match of the second stanza. It was their second home loss of the season.
Enyimba are now fourth in the log on 31 points while Heartland have dropped to seventh.
Akwa United got off to a winning start by defeating Gombe United 3-2 in the mid-week Glo Nigeria Premier League fixture at the Uyo Stadium.
They cruised past their opponent with a brace from Mfon Udoh and the third from Ubong Ekpai but the visitors came back strongly in second half to record two quick goals.
It was Akwa United’s first game at the Rojeny Stadium, Oba, since their banishment and coach Justin Tenger believes the victory has shown their strong resolve not to go down this season.
“It was a keenly and closely fought game; we were three goals up before Gombe United fought back with two goals to leave final score at 3-2 in our favour.
“We are really grateful to God for the victory and to have started the second stanza on a winning note,” Tenger said.
“I see the win as a good omen of more good results on our way in this stanza more so as strong indication that we won’t be relegated at the end of the season.”
Wikki tourist defeated Lobi Stars 4-0. Brace from Ibrahim Shuaibu, Alaba Johnson and Ibrahim Babale completed the drubbing of Dominic Iorfa’s men.
Kwara United played a 1-1 draw against 3SC at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Dare Ojo fired in a free-kick at the stroke of half-time to put the Ilorin club ahead before he was sent off in the second-half.
Taofeek Salami salvaged a point for 3SC on the 67th minute after Gbolahan Salami’s goals in the 52nd and 58th were canceled for offside.
Bayelsa United played a 2-2 draw with Dolphins in their mid-week clash. Ifeanyi Egwim put Dolphins ahead in the 12th minute and two minutes later, Samuel Agba leveled up for Bayelsa United.
Dolphins got back in front when Emeka Atuloma rose above United’s defenders to head away Isiaka Olawale’s corner kick.
With 12 minutes left in the game, Peter Ebimobowei converted a spot kick to ensure the hosts earn a point at home.
Troubled Enugu Rangers defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 at home. Rangers, who have been disqualified from this year’s CAF Confederations Cup are now fourth on the table with 30 points.
A goal in each half from Oghogho Oduokpe and Chinedu Sunday helped Rangers to victory.
Sharks gave themselves a boost of escaping the drop by defeating Nembe City 1-0. Tayo Fabiyi got the goal but Sharks remain bottom.
ABS won 1-0 against Kaduna United in Ilorin after Abdulkadir Aminu scored with 15 minutes to the end of the contest. The Ilorin club remain in the bottom despite the victory.
Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves drew 1-1 in Akure. Oke Ogagatevhwo put the Akure Gunners in front in the 68th minute but ThankGod Ike ensured a point for Wolves with four minutes left to full-time.
