Enyimba Topple Lobi From Summit Of Nigeria League

Enyimba of Aba are the new leaders of the Nigerian Premier League after they beat struggling Sharks of Port Harcourt 3-2 away from home on Wednesday.

The four-time league kings have thus recorded 12 points from six matches.

Before the league went on a three-week recess caused by the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which Nigeria hosted, Lobi Stars led the standings with nine points from five matches.

However, the Makurdi-based club lost their leadership on Wednesday when they fell 1-0 away at Ocean Boys.

There were several home wins, including those of Enugu Rangers and Gombe United.

New signing Nonso Elias earned Rangers full marks courtesy of his 75th minute goal against champions Bayelsa United. The striker nodded home from inside the six-yard box. That was after the hosts had struck the post twice in the first half.

Experienced Rangers midfielder Damien Udeh saw red for a second booking in the 86th minute for dangerous play, but the home team held out for a victory.

"It's a learning curve for my team, most of whom only joined us this season. But I hope they soon blend to start playing more as a team," said Rangers coach, Alphonsus Dike.

"Otherwise, I'm happy with the three points even though I would have wanted us to have scored more goals."

Hosts Gombe United defeated Kano Pillars 2-0 with goals from Bala Manu after six minutes and Babalo five minutes from time.

Gombe exploited the right fullback position manned by Abdullahi Abubakar, who is usually a central defender, to get their goals in a match Pillars held their own.

In other matches on Wednesday, Niger Tornadoes beat Warri Wolves 2-1, Ranch Bees and Gateway FC drew 0-0, Kwara United stopped visiting Sunshine Stars 2-0, while Shooting Stars were truly at home in Ibadan with a 3-1 spanking of Kaduna United.

Heartland pipped Dolphins 1-0 and Zamfara United were held to a goalless draw at home by Wikki Tourist.

Samm Audu, Goal.com