By Akanimo Kufre
Despite sinking visiting Eding Sports of Cameroun 3 – 0 recently on CAF assignment, Plateau United did not make Paul Aigbogun’s boys shiver when the NPFL defending champions were sighted in Calabar.
Enyimba players were quite determined not to allow 2nd place Plateau United spoil their valentine evening.
The peoples’ Elephant made very early attempt at goal at 3rd minute through Okonkwo’s tap to Omofoman whose strike at goal was readily saved by Plateau United goal tender Okiemute Odah.
About 10 minutes into first, half the pressure mounted on Plateau defence resulted in handball by Emma James and centre referee, Wale Adeniyi did not have any challenge awarded spot kick to the home side.
Stanley Dimgba 13, steps in to score his 4th goal this season for Enyimba.
At 16 minute of play, Plateau almost equalized with Raphael Ayagwa’s shot that Fatau Dauda saved. The visitors tried bravely to level up but were kept at bay by Enyimba defence force led by Ifeanyi Anaemena.
Again Enyimba attackers attempt tightening the screw on Plateau when Anaemena pull a cross to unmarked Okonkwo who volley from outside box but Plateau keeper, Odah had to make a finger tip save to keep the goal tally at one nil.
Stanley Dimgba had a good day up front with his 4th goal of the season for Enyimba but the bold and brave command of Enyimba defence was commendable to give Ifeanyi Anaemena the Man of the match.
Anaemena did well to contain the attacks from Nigeria’s tallest player Emeka Umeh of Plateau United and the final blast of whistle the score line remained 1-0 with a deserving home victory to Enyimba.
“Enyimba respect the fact that plateau united is a very good side in NPFL but we are playing home and very focus at grabbing maximum point from the game on valentine day. The result so far will make the Enyimba boys more relaxed for the valentine evening before embarking on trip to meet Kano Pillars on Sunday.” The media officer of Enyimba, Solace Chukwu explained.
