Enyimba overtake Sunshine Stars, hold Rangers

The rematch of the ‘Oriental derby’ lived up to its billing as both Enyimba and Enugu Rangers played their hearts out yesterday in the game that ended 1-1 in Aba, reports Africanfootball.com.

The result took Enyimba tp the top of the Glo Premier League with 37 points from 20 games, a point more than Sunshine Stars, who lost 1-0 at FC Taraba. Rangers forward, Onoriode Odah gave the Enugu team the lead in the ninth minute after he earlier missed a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Femi Thomas.

Enyimba new signing Musa Najere marked his debut with a goal against his old team in the 37th minute to level the game at 1-1. League all-time hotshot, Mfon Udoh, returned to action after a long lay-off when he was introduced by Enyimba for Ifeanyi George on the half hour mark.

In Kano, returning Kano Pillars coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, began his second spell at the club on a winning note as the champions beat Lobi Stars 2-1 at home.

Babaganaru replaced Okey Emordi, who was fired as Pillars labored to keep pace with the likes of Enyimba and sunshine Stars in the first round of the championship. Pillars now have 30 points from 20 games.

Mercurial midfielder, Rabiu Ali, scored the opener for Pillars with a header in the 21st minute, when he connected Adamu Hassan’s cross. Midfielder Mohammed Shagari doubled the hosts’ the lead with a 35th minute strike.

Anthony Okpotu reduced the deficit for Lobi Stars with a strike in the 50th minute. In Bauchi, Wikki failed to avenge a 4-0 trouncing at heartland when they played out a goalless draw.

Wikki have 34 points in 20 games, while Heartland have 33 points in 20 games. The game was boring as both teams never had good attempt at goal. Wikki Tourists Mubarak Umar, who has scored five goals so far this season, had the ball at the back of the net in the 47th minute, but the effort was ruled for off side.