ABA, Nigeria – Enyimba FC reacted strongly today, defeating Kano Pillars 2-1 in their Nigerian Premier Football League match after earlier exiting the Federation Cup.
Joseph Atule and Brown Ideye netted for Enyimba at their home ground. Kano Pillars managed to pull one back with a goal from Naibe Akpesiri in the 81st minute.
This victory comes on the heels of Enyimba’s disappointing 2-0 loss to NNL side Abakaliki FC in the Federation Cup quarterfinal. Despite today’s win, Enyimba currently sits at ninth place in the league standings with 46 points from 33 matches, just a point behind Pillars, who are in seventh place.
Meanwhile, in another match, Enugu Rangers dealt a severe blow to relegated Lobi Stars, winning decisively 4-2 on their away trip. Also, Katsina United hit Abia Warriors hard with a resounding 5-1 victory, highlighted by a brace from Bello Lukman. Katsina United currently ranks 11th in the standings with 44 points from 34 matches, while Abia Warriors remain in third place with a total of 53 points.
The ongoing NPFL season continues to show fierce competition, with Enyimba’s current form raising questions as they prepare for their next fixtures. Coach Fatai Osho emphasized, “We must maintain this momentum to secure our position and avoid any further slip-ups.”
As the league progresses, the relegation battle and top positions are heating up, intensifying the pressure on teams. The matches this weekend showed the unpredictable nature of Nigerian football, where every game can turn the tables for any team.
In the upcoming quarterfinals of the Federation Cup, all matches will feature NPFL teams, with Enugu Rangers set to take on Plateau United. The giant killers Abakaliki FC will face Nasarawa United after eliminating Enyimba from contention.
Rangers narrowly edged past Bendel Insurance 1-0 in their Round of 16 match, while Plateau United secured a 2-1 victory over Osun United. Nasarawa United triumphed over Bayelsa United via penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Other thrilling quarterfinal fixtures include Wilkki Tourists against Ikorodu City, who advanced after a 2-0 win over Beyond Limits, while Kwara United, after a commanding 3-0 victory against Solution FC, will face Akwa United, who won their Round of 16 tie against Inter Lagos 1-0.
