NPFL: Enyimba make bright start with away win over Nasarawa United

Enyimba International got off to a flying start in the new Nigeria Premier Football League season on Saturday.

The Peoples’ Elephant secured maximum points in their first game of the season as they recorded a 2-1 away win over Nasarawa United at the New Jos Stadium.

Saturday’s away win is the second in the new league season as Bendel Insurance also went to Uyo and got a 2-0 win over Akwa United last weekend.

For Enyimba, having failed to even secure a continental slot last season, Coach Finidi George and his lads were eager to hit the ground running against the Solid Miners.

After a cautious start to the game by both teams, Enyimba shot into lead just after the half hour mark 

One of Enyimba’s new signings, Elijah Akanni fired home a powerful shot in the 32nd to hand the People’s Elephant the lead.

It didn’t take too long before the visitors doubled their advantage.

Imo Obot increased Enyimba’s lead five minutes after Akanni’s opening goal.

After taking the two goal lead into the break, Enyimba returned strongly for the second half the same way Nasarawa United were determined to get back into the game despite the deficit.

Though Oche Josiah reduced the deficit for Nasarawa United with a header three minutes after Ojo Olorunleke denied Ikenna Offor from the spot, it wasn’t enough to earn them a share of the spoils.

This is the first time in two seasons Enyimba have scored two plus away goals in the NPFL 

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵, 𝘸e’ll 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵.”  Enyimba captain and Goalkeeper John Noble had said before the game in Jos.

Action will continue in the NPFL with other matches on Sunday.

The 2023 NPFL season is being played in an abridged format, with the champion expected to emerge via a season-ending Super Six tournament.