Christian Pyagbara struck the perfect ball in 38th minute of the first half of their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter against Akwa United to ensure Enyimba won 1-0 in Uyo.
It was a swift counter-attacking move by Enyimba in the 38th minute, Pyagbara moved away from his marker and Peter Onyekachi released him before the former Sharks man blasted home left-footed.
Just before half time Enyimba almost made it 2-0 in the 44th minute when Pyagbara this time returned the compliment for Onyekachi who side-footed off target under a challenge.
“Akwa United is a good team and we are happy we were able to win it here,” Enyimba coach, Paul Aigbogun said after the game.
“We had to fight very hard to get the victory because Akwa United is a good side.”
Akwa United came back into the game in the second half, but tried as they could, Enyimba did not let them through.
In the 55th minute Nnamso Edo crossed in for Ubong Ekpai but his header went wide.
Three minute later, Akwa United had another chance from a corner but Kufre Ebong’s poke went wide.
In the 69th minute, Cyril Olisema nutmegged Kelly Kester and let one go from distance but his effort was blocked.
Ekpai had another volley again in the 76th minute but it was wide and then again it was Ibe who fired in from close range, Afelokhai fumbled but Ekpai missed from close range.
The plethora of misses continued for the home side until the referee sounded the final whistle to the dismay of the fans who stood behind their team all game long.
“We started with a 4-3-3 formation that did not pay off so we switched to a 4-2-4 in the second half but it did not work. That’s the way it is,” Akwa United coach, Ere Dokubo said after the game.
“We have lost eight points at home and I believe we can go out there and pick points. We have done it before and can do it again.
“In fact I will boldly tell fans of the club that after our games one the road to MFM and Giwa, the story will be different and we will end the season in top-three,” Dokubo said.
Match details
Akwa United: Olufemi Kayode, Nnamso Edo, Samuel Okon, Emeka Isaac, Emmanuel Ariwa, Harrison Ibukun, Ubong Ekpai, Michael Ibe (Abdulafeez Awakan), Kufre Ebong, Aniekan Ekpe (Ukeme Davies), Cyril Olisema
Unused subs: Bassey Akpan, Otobong Effiong, Counou Paterne, Godspower Igudia, Nsikak Isaac
Enyimba: Theophilus Afelokhai, Ifeanyi George, Chima Akas, Kelly Kester, Chinedu Udoji, Emma Anyanwu, Andrew Abalogu (Sikiru Kamaldeen), Peter Onyekachi, Christian Pyagbara (Mfon Udoh), Nzube Anaezemba (Dare Ojo), Joseph Osadiaye
Unused subs: Olufemi Thomas, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Ugochukwu Leonard, Ike Thankgod
Man of the Match: Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba)
Attendance: 6,936
