Enyimba produced another spectacular performance to liven hopes for their fans who have endured indifferent outings in the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Gombe United. 

The Aba based team started the game lively from the 3rd minute, as Sadiq Abubakar’s  pass found Victor Mbaoma close to the box, but the strikers effort was saved by Gombe Goalkeeper Kazeem Yekini.

Enyimba scored their first goal in the 6th minute when Yakubu Bilal found Obioma Chukwuemeka close to the opponents 18 yard box and the striker slotted home calmly.

Gombe however tried to respond early after conceding, as in the 11th minute, Somiala Bello had his cross from the right flank, shot off the bar, by Yusuf Abdulazeez.

Enyimba Victor Mbaoma scored his team’s second goal of the day in the 16th minute, after a fine interchange of passes between him and his strike partner, Emeka Obioma. It was his 11th goal of the season in the league for Enyimba.

Samuel Oyediji came close to getting a goal for Gombe United but his shot went inches wide in the 20th minute. 

Enyimba’s third goal arrived in the 29th minute after  Cyril Olisema benefited from a fine pass from Samuel Kalu and slotted past the Gombe Goalkeeper.

The visitors kept pushing for a goal as Abba Maigari had his chance in the 31st minute, but his long range shot was saved by Enyimba Goalkeeper John Noble as Enyimba took a 3 goal lead at half time.

The second half started with Gombe United seeking for a respite, but couldn’t score as Abba Maigari , Ahmed Jimoh and Yusuf Abdulazeez missed glaring chances in the 55th , 61st and 65th minute from giving themselves a consolation.

Enyimba almost got a fourth goal in the 70th minute, after Victor Mbaoma met Yakubu  Bilal’s cross, but his shot at goal inches wide.

Gombe United Substitute Christian Innocent came close in the 68th minute, but his effort went wide, while Ahmed Jimoh’s shot went over the bar from a good position in the 78th minute.

Gombe United kept pushing for a goal stronger  but failed to find a breakthrough again in the 80th minute.

Enyimba Coach Finidi George introduced Captain Austin Oladapo, Gabriel Orok and Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed for Samuel Kalu, Obioma Chukwuemeka and Godwin Emmanuel, as the home side searched for more goals.

Enyimba will be guests to Akwa United Fc, while Gombe Utd will host Sunshine Stars of Akure on matchday 27.

Speaking to www.nfpl.ng Enyimba coach Finidi George said his team played well especially in the first half.

“We had a good game today against Gombe United, especially in the first 45 minutes as we scored early goals before 30 minutes, it’s still work in progress as we seek to finish the season on a high note”

His opposite on the dugout, Aliyu Zubiaru blamed the defeat on his players loss of concentration.

“We lost to a better Enyimba team, as we couldn’t take the game to Enyimba, and conceded early goals which made it difficult to come back, but we will make amends in our next game at home”.

Man of the match: Cyril Olisema (Enyimba Fc)

The Savannah Scorpions keeps a date with ABS FC whom they lost 2-1 to in the group stage.

The former Wikki Tourists gaffer told Gold Cup Media after his Scorpions stung Remo Stars 7-6 on spot kicks.

“We can win the but am after how my new and old players can play as a team with a view to getting the desired results.

“Remo Stars are a young side, mobile and off course a good team. We took time to study their past games in the tourney and noticed they attack from the flanks and their captain is a fantastic player. He is key to the team as he always starts the attack, so it was best to mark him out.

“That we did effectively and it slowed their pace. We should have scored, Remo Stars had the crossbar to thank on two occasions.

“The game was tough as predicted and opened my eyes on something new. I had not thought of practicing penalty kicks but with what played out against Remo Stars, I think I have good spot kick takers. So I won’t panic when the need arises.”

“Am not under pressure to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup as all four teams that came this far were good as winning it. 

“For Gombe United; we will be ready for the game against ABS FC, that I can assure you.”

The Savannah Scorpions who lost their second game to ABS FC on Day Two of the pre-season tourney got back to winning ways after they stung Ekiti United 2-1 in the last Group A make or bust game on Monday.

In his post-match chat with Ogunjobi Gold Cup Media: “Having known that we needed a draw to qualify to the semi final, I told my lads to go for the kill against Ekiti United. That they did winning the game in the first half.

“If you recall it was anxiety that caused the team in the loss to ABS FC and my players wanted to get the result before the end of the game, at the end turned out not to their favour.

Asked if his first choice goalkeeper will be ready for the semi-final game and why he brought two shot stoppers to the tournament.

“I have five goalkeepers three were out injured so we came to Ilorin with two. Nothing serious about Yekini’s injury. He had a little knock and will be in goal against Remo Stars. 

“I expect a tough game from Remo Stars as they are good, have tactical depth and highly mobile but when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”

On the positive of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to his team.

“Winning is not the paramount but for us the pre-season tourney has provided a platform for us to know if we have a team that can compete well for the promotion ticket to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).”