By Fisayo Dairo

It was a result that extracted contrasting reactions from Coaches on both sides of the bench in the fixture between Enyimba International and Nasarawa United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

While Assistant Coach of Enyimba, Deniran Ortega celebrated his side’s win in the five goals thriller as a deserving birthday gift, the Head Coach of Nasarawa United, Bala Nikyu cut the figure of a subdued fighter.

Nkiyu may have been stunned by the outcome, he was philosophical in his response to www.npfl.ng submitting that there would always be a winner and a loser in the game.

“The game has been played and concluded and the result is there. It’s not everyone that will win in football so I think it was okay.

“I won’t talk about my players but anyone that is here today can testify that they did what is expected of a team so I don’t make comments about players,” said Nikyu.

Enyimba assistant coach Deniran Ortega was satisfied with the win on his birthday but was left worried about his defence.

“The game played out very well. My boys did well and I must congratulate Nasarawa as well because they did well too,” Ortega told www.npfl.ng after the game.

“It was an interesting game and I thought as much so we prepared the players for it, to score more goals.

“It’s my birthday today so it’s a double win for me,” added the former Warri Wolves coach.

Former champions Enyimba had dug deep to see off a resolute Nasarawa United side 3-2 in the interesting NPFL MatchDay 30 encounter.

The People’s Elephant, playing in the absence of their head coach Finidi George who is away on national team duties were made to work hard for their money by Nikyu’s wards who twice pegged their hosts back in the game. 

After a cagey opening, Enyimba got their noses in front in the 44th minute when Samuel Stone Onukwube poked home a rebound before Nasarawa United equalised four minutes after the break through Sunday Okereke who finished off a King Osanga free kick.

Enyimba restored their lead three minutes later when Emeka Obioma rounded off a team move with a side-footed finish to Sadiq Abubakar’s cross but the visitors once again pulled level, this time from the penalty spot through Michael Tochukwu after Abdullahi Aliyu was upended.

The 2019 league champions would then miss a spot kick after captain Austin Oladapo saw his take saved by goalkeeper Godwin Ameh but the points were claimed three minutes from time when Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed converted another spot kick after Obioma was upended.

Match Day 31 action comes up in midweek with Enyimba staying at home once again to welcome Sunshine Stars while Nasarawa United will host Abia Warriors in Jos.

Match Lineups

Enyimba XI

21. Sabirou Bassa-Djeri 32. Bilal Yakubu

3. Daniel Darkwah 16. Philip Ozor

18. Pascal Eze 6. Nabil Yarou 14. Samuel Kalu 20. Cyril Olisema 9. Emeka Obioma

8. Samuel Stone Onukwube 13. Sadiq Abubakar

Subs

 1. John Noble 7. Christian Ekong 17. Chigozie Obasi 19. Orok Gabriel Ibitham

26. Austin Oladapo 27. Farouk Mohammed 28. Abel James 36. Abdulwasiu Mahmud 38. Godwin Emmanuel

Nasarawa United XI

34. Godwin Ameh 2. Afeez Bankole

33. Ini Edem 37. Joshua Ogbole

14. Victor Collins 16. Manga Mohammed

13. King Osanga 30. Michael Tochukwu

18. Adamu Hassan 31. Sunday Okereke

23. Aliyu Abdullahi

SUBS:

40. Danjuma Mustapha 6. Abubakar Abdullahi 5. Bello Abdullahi 17. Ifeanyi Ejeh 10. Dauda Maigishiri 20. Ikenna Offor 9. Chinedu Ohanachom 8. Shammasu Mohammed

19. Charles Eguavon

  Aba, Coach Bala Nikyu, Daniel Ortega, Emeka Obioma, Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United, NPFL, Samuel Stone, Sunday Okereke