Enyimba earn emphatic win over Rivers United to regain second place
Reigning Champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba came from behind to thrash Giants, Rivers United in Aba on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The People's Elephant after falling behind by a goal rallied back to beat the Pride of Rivers 4-1 following a brace each from Chijioke Mbaoma and Akanni Elijah at the Enyimba International Stadium.
The matchday 34 encounter kicked off with the first chance from Enyimba after Ekene Awazie's attempt came off the post after 11 minutes of play.
Three minutes later it was the visitors who cheered after Andy Okpe benefited from a defensive blunder and lobbed the ball over the Enyimba goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Rivers came close to doubling the lead when Andy Okpe got his sight at goal and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Ani but his effort was cleared by Eze Ekwutoziam 7 minutes later.
Momentum however switched as the hosts searched for the equaliser and soon it came after Ikenna Cooper's wonderful pass found Chijioke mbaoma in unmark position who he beatsl Osagie Onisidunmeya to equalize 9 minutes to the end of the half.
It ended 1-1 with the two sides producing an end-to-end situation in Aba.
At the start of the second half, Enyimba brought in Joseph Atule, Elijah Akanni and Muyiwa Balogun for Chidiebere Nnachi, Izuogu Chibueze and Awazie Ekene.
The changes made impact as 6 minutes after the start of the second phase, the champions turned things around as Chijioke Mbaoma scored his second of the day after capitalising on goalkeeper Osagie's error.
Substitute Akanni made it 3-1 on 66 minute after he pounced on the rebounce from the shot of Mbaoma as the hosts got more comfortable in the game.
10 minutes later it was 4 as Akanni completed his brace following a one-two play with Cooper to seal the win for the Aba giants.
The win takes Enyimba one point behind Rangers International who currently play Sporting Lagos as the time of this report.
Uche Dozie
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