NPFL Review: Akas’ freekick secures three points for Enyimba against Nasarawa United
Akas’ sublime freekick was the difference between Enyimba and Nasarawa United in the Matchday 18 fixture at Umuahia.
The lads looked particularly well rested after Giwa FC’s no-show midweek, which prompted a walkover at the Ilorin Township Stadium. Dare Ojo continued at right-back while Coach Aigbogun kept faith in the blossoming partnership between Captain Udoji and Ike ThankGod at the heart of the defence. Abu Azeez and Leonard Ugochukwu paired upfront with Etor Daniel and Mfon Udoh running the wings.
Enyimba started the game with intent wanting to improve their placement on the log and also extend their impressive unbeaten streak. Nasarawa United, fabled for disrupting records and getting away victories at difficult grounds were certainly no pushovers.
It took till the 31st minute before their resilience was broken, Chima Akas scored his second free kick of the season from 25 yards. The left back expertly placed his set-piece well beyond Suraj Ayeleso’s reach to put Enyimba ahead.
There was only a smattering of events after the goal, as both teams sized themselves up producing heavy match action at the midfield area. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Kelly Kester put themselves about ensuring dominance for the hosts, combining well to reduce the opposition’s influence and chances at goal.
Mfon Udoh, who was lively in spurts was on the end of Manga Mohammed’s meaty challenge in the 52nd minute. The forward, unfortunately, couldn’t continue with the game after the tackle and was replaced by Joseph Osadiaye.
Abu Azeez went for the spectacular with a 25 yard lob with Ayeleso off his line but the striker couldn’t get his effort on target so as to extent the League Champions lead.
Nasarawa United rallied to grab a goal towards the end of the game but lacked the cutting edge as Enyimba extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
The People’s Elephant continue their steady ascent up the league table with five points off the top of the log with three games in hand.
Enyimba XI: Theophilus Afelokhai; Dare Ojo, Chinedu Udoji, Ike ThankGod, Chima Akas; Daniel Etor, Kelly Kester, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Mfon Udoh; Ugochukwu Leonard, Abu Azeez
Subs: Moses Ocheje, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Ifeanyi George, Nzube Anaezemba, Joseph Osadiaye, Alloy Brown, Peter Onyekachi
Nasarawa United XI: Suraj Ayeleso, Nweke Ifeanyi, Makama Emmanuel, Manga Mohammed, Seun Sogbeso, Gbadebo Samson, Thomas Zenke, Douglas Achiv, Bashir Abdulrahman, Aminu Kadir, Philip Azango
Subs: Danladi Umar, Mohammed Shamasu, Babangida Shuaibu, Esosa Igbinovbia, Eugene Obi, Philip Auta, Olayinka Onaolapo
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